Owo: Normalcy returns as police arrest 19 suspects

Ondo State

Normalcy has returned to Owo, an ancient city in Ondo State, which was gripped by violence unleashed by feuding cults on Monday.

As this cheering news hit the airwaves, the internet, and social and print media, the police announced the arrest of 19 suspects over the clashes which claimed four lives.

The state police boss, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, who directly took charge and led his officers and men to assess the situation, on Tuesday morning announced the arrest of the suspects.

He spoke in Owo during his visit to the troubled areas to enforce the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the community by the state government.

Afolabi told journalists that peace had returned to the troubled areas and pledged that those apprehended would face the full force of the law.

Among the locations he visited in Owo were Eyin Ogbe, Ijebu Owo, and the Palace.

Reportedly, between 6am and 10am, Owo residents, gripped by fear induced by the heavy presence of security operatives patrolling the community, kept indoors.

The curfew took effect from Monday night to prevent further escalation of violence.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in a statement by his spokesman, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the curfew was necessary to address the cult clashes and security disturbances that had claimed lives in the community.

He directed residents to stay indoors during the curfew hours, with exemptions granted only for essential services such as hospitals, emergency responders, and law enforcement agents.

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