Ikare Akoko crisis worsen despite curfew

By OSAGIE OTABOR, Akure

The renewed communal crisis in Ikare Akoko, in Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of Ondo State have continued despite the 24-hour curfew imposed by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Akeredolu imposed the curfew following killings of some persons and persistent shootings..

Residents in the community defied the curfew and attempted to destroy a building housing a bank in the community.

The building reportedly belonged to a rival traditional ruler of the town, the Owa-Ale of Ikare, Oba Adeleke Adedoyin.

Oba Adedoyin and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh are at loggerheads as the Olukare regarded the Owa Ale as one of his Chiefs.

Olukare is regarded as a Class A monarch while the Owa Ale is in the Class C category.

Eyewitnesses said some residents of the town moved freely disregarding the curfew while hoodlums attacked the building.

Windows and doors of the bank were broken but intervention of the police stopped the building from being set ablaze.

He said the damage had been done before the police arrived at the scene.

Ondo Police spokesman, DSP Funmilayo Odunlami, who refuted claims that the police failed to ensure compliance of the curfew order, said policemen were on ground to maintain peace.

Situation in Ikare Akoko has become so tense that residents in some parts of the town banned other residents from visiting their area for business activities. (The Nation)