Insecurity: Ondo declares 24-hour curfew in Ikare town

By Kalu Onyemaechi

The Ondo government, on Tuesday, imposed a 24-hour curfew on Ikare town, headquarters of Akoko north-east LGA of the state, via The Cable.

According to a statement by Donald Ojogo, the state commissioner for information and orientation, the measure was taken to avoid the breakdown of law and to restore peace to the community after it experienced sporadic gunshots for 12 hours.

Ojogo said some deaths were recorded as a result of the crisis, but did not specify the number of casualties.

He also did not state who and what was responsible for the crisis.

Ojogo said security agencies have been deployed to enforce the curfew.

“The Ondo State Government has ordered the imposition of a twenty-four hour curfew on Ikare Town, headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government Area of the State with immediate effect,” the statement reads.

“This comes on the heels of security reports and credible intelligence arising from the situation in Ikare. Specifically, some deaths have been recorded as a result of sporadic gunshots that have pervaded the ancient town in the last 12 hours. This is most unacceptable.

“Security agencies, especially the Police and Amotekun, have already been directed to ensure full compliance and enforcement of the curfew imposed. All Traditional Rulers, Opinion and Religious Leaders are enjoined to give maximum support to this order just as they are to rein in their subjects and wards.

“Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Igbara-Oke since last week is hereby lifted. The State Security Council at its meeting on Monday, reviewed the situation and concluded that while efforts are not spared to sustain the relative peace, it was only appropriate to lift the curfew, for now. This notwithstanding, all those arrested in connection with the crisis shall be prosecuted accordingly.”