A dawn-to-dusk curfew has been imposed on Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, following violent cult clashes that claimed four lives on Monday.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, in Akure. The curfew, according to the statement, is aimed at curbing escalating violence and restoring peace in the affected area.
“The ongoing violent cult clashes and security disturbances in Owo have led to the loss of lives,” the statement read. “The governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the town till further notice. 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 cult clashes, which erupted over the weekend, left the once-peaceful community in a state of fear and chaos. Residents reported hearing gunshots and witnessing violent confrontations between rival cult groups. The violence has raised concerns about public safety and the need for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, expressing his administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order, directed security agencies to enforce the curfew strictly. He also charged them with the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the swift apprehension of those responsible for the unrest.
“The governor has tasked security agencies in the state to enforce the curfew, ensure the safety of lives and properties, arrest the perpetrators of violence, and restore peace to the community,” Adeniyan added.
The statement further reassured residents that the government is working to address the root causes of the clashes and prevent a recurrence of such incidents. The governor called for calm, urging community leaders and stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies to bring the situation under control.
As the curfew takes effect, essential service providers such as hospitals and emergency services remain operational, ensuring that critical needs are met despite the restrictions.
The Ondo State government has also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for cultism and related criminal activities. It vowed to take decisive action to safeguard the lives and well-being of its citizens.
The situation in Owo remains tense as security personnel intensify patrols to enforce the curfew and restore normalcy to the area. Residents have been advised to comply with the directives to avoid legal consequences and to assist law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace.
