Tension in Ondo community over closure of market, government imposes 24-hour curfew

Tension is brewing in the commercial centre of Akoko, Ikare Akoko, in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo state, following the forced closure of a market in the town.

It will be recalled that there were frayed nerves in the community following the rivalry between the two traditional rulers within the town, the Owa Ale and Olukare of Ikare Akoko.

While the faction loyal to Owa Ale claimed that commercial activities were disrupted because of the Ikare day celebration, those loyal to Olukare claimed that last Saturday celebration was disrupted by sponsored thugs from the other side.

According to a resident who said that a popular commercial market in the town, Osele market, situated in Okorun area of the town was ordered to be closed last Saturday during the celebration of Ikare day.

Some leaders of the market and community leaders resisted the move to close down the market which falls on the same day as Ikare day, saying the market is not within the jurisdiction of Olukare of Ikare but under Owa Ale.

He said “some people came to the market with canes to drive the marketers away because of the Ikare day celebration but the market resisted the move.

“They returned and regrouped but our men resisted them that the celebration of Ikare day should not disturb the weekly market. But we are surprised to learn that our people have been warned not to come to other markets in the town”

“This move was resisted by those who were turned back from the market and leading to friction between the two sides. We have resolved not to disturb the peace being enjoyed in the town”

But another resident claimed that some sponsored thugs from the Owa Ale side, invaded the venue of the celebration with cutlass and other dangerous weapons, disrupting the celebration

He said some people were injured during the melee and they were rushed to the hospital while the incident was reported at the police station.

He said “We were preparing for annual Ikare day when we heard people from Okorun quarters used cutlass on somebody from Okoja. The Olukare and his chiefs realised it was a plan to disrupt the celebration.

They took the injured person to the hospital. On Sunday we heard Owa Ale people were preparing for another fight. Some Police operatives were invited and they were able to pacify the leaders.

“Yesterday we heard the Okorun quarters started shooting at people. One person has died so far.”

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered the imposition of a 24-hour curfew on Ikare with immediate effect, saying the curfew became necessary following the security reports and credible intelligence arising from the situation in Ikare.

In a statement signed by the state commissioner for information and orientation, Donald Ojogo, said security agencies, especially the Police and Amotekun have been directed to ensure full compliance and enforcement of the curfew imposed.

The statement read, The Ondo State government has ordered the imposition of a 24-hour curfew on Ikare town, headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government Area of the State with immediate effect.

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 state government has lifted the curfew imposed on Igbara-Oke, saying “the curfew imposed in 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”.

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Tension in Ondo community over closure of market, government imposes 24-hour curfew. Tension in Ondo community over closure of market, government imposes 24-hour curfew.