Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered a dusk-to-dawn (from 7 pm to 6 am) curfew in the ancient town of Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area till further notice.
This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan.
The government’s action is coming after violent cult clashes and security disturbances in Owo which have led to loss of lives.
“All residents are required to remain indoors during the curfew. Only essential services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and law enforcement, will be exempted from the curfew,” the statement read.
According to Adeniyan, the Governor has also asked security agencies in the state to enforce the curfew, ensure the safety of lives, and properties, arrest perpetrators of the violence, and restore peace to the community.
Four persons were confirmed dead in the clash between two suspected cult groups.
One of the victims, 52-year-old Fisayo Oladipupo, a former youth leader of the APC in Owo LGA was shot dead in the early hours of Monday by assailants suspected to be cultists.
His remains have since been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre in Owo.