- Ondo police boss visits scene, urges calm
By Banji Ayoola
Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Thursday imposed a 24 hour curfew on Ikare Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of the State, scene of bloody clashes between rival youth groups on Tuesday, January 3.
The restriction takes immediate effect according to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, My Olabode Olatunde.
On the fateful day, youths of Okoja Quarters were celebrating their annual carnival. However, trouble started when another faction of youths from the same quarters, disrupted the activities of the Carnival leading to a clash between their supporters.
Earlier, the two monarchs in the town, the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh and Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, the Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare, were reportedly summoned by both the state government and the security agencies, over the breakdown of law and order during the carnival in their community.
Also, Governor Akeredolu had directed that security personnel be deployed to the troubled community, with both soldiers and policemen patrolling the ancient town.
According to the statement titled “24 hour curfew imposed on Ikare Akoko”: “A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of Ondo State, with immediate effect.
“The decision was made at the State Security Council meeting chaired by the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON.
“This follows the escalated violent clash in the town since Tuesday which has continued unabated, despite the meeting held by Government and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and Owa Ale of Iyometa, Oba Adeleke Adegbite to rein-in their subjects.
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order just as investigations are already on to unravel the real cause(s) of the violent clash.
“For emphasis, Ikare Akoko has been closed down for any unathourised human movement and activity until further notice.”
Closely on the heels of this action, the state police boss, CP Oyeyemi Oyediran visited the scene of the clashes, met with the two royal fathers in the town and urged them to call their subjects to order.
A statement by the state police spokeswoman, SP. Funmilayo Odunlami Omisanya, said: “The CP decried the level of damage done by the indigenes to themselves and encouraged them to live together as one .
“He however commiserated with the people who lost their personal/family property to this avoidable situation and promised to apprehend those involved in the wanton destruction in the area.
“One suspect has been arrested in connection with the case.
“He advised the monarchs to seek the intervention of relevant authorities and the government on issues bordering on boundaries.
“The Monarchs appreciated the CP for his timely intervention and the neutrality of the Police in maintaining law and order.
They both promised to talk to their people and maintain peace.
“The CP is also using this medium to appeal to the people of the state not to take laws into their hands or resolve to self help rather channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters, report criminal cases to law enforcement agencies or seek redress in the court of law.
“Men of the Tactical Team has been deployed as reinforcement into the community as Ikare- Akoko is currently calm.”
The Punch had reported that social and business activities were halted in the ancient town on Wednesday following the clash among youths in the town.
It gathered that many people were feared killed, shops and vehicles allegedly vandalised and burnt down by some hoodlums while banks and other organisations did not open for business for fear of being attacked.
A source who spoke with the paper said some people were feared dead in the crisis with several others injured.
According to the source, the crisis erupted in the community during a new year carnival organised by the youths on Monday evening as two youth groups engaged in a fight.
The source said, “The crisis started on Monday evening during the new year carnival which was organised by the youths and it later degenerated till this (Wednesday) morning. There were gunshots everywhere. There is tension all over the town as I am speaking with you, nobody could go to the shop or market in Ikare.
“Banks too did not open for their customers for fear of hoodlums. Commercial activities in the central areas like Osele market, Obada Market have been paralysed. Okoja Area, Oloko junction, and Post Office Area up to Lokoja Garage have been deserted while shops and businesses have been closed down. Banks customers particularly those who came to Ikare from outside towns were lamenting the bank closure.”
Another source attributed the crisis to the ongoing cold war between the two traditional rulers in the community- the Olukare of Ikare and Owa Ale of Ikare – saying the two warring groups were alleged loyalists of the two monarchs.
He said, “You know Ikare is divided and Okoja is like a centre between the two. The Owa Ale people wanted to use the place but Olukare youths stopped them.
“When the Olukare wanted to use the place for the carnival on Tuesday, the Owa Ale people stopped them and there was a crisis. The shooting was much that the town became deserted.
“This morning (Wednesday) the youths mobilised for another attack and the shootings continue. Many shops have been closed down but the police have intervened. I saw at least two people shot dead during the fracas and many others injured but I learnt some more people have been killed too.”
When contacted, the state Police spokeswoman had reportedly confirmed the development, saying policemen and other security agents had been deployed in the town to restore normalcy.
She had said, “The warring parties have been warned to maintain peace. Police and soldiers are now patrolling the town to ensure law and order within the area.”
