Five Feared Dead As Carnival Turns Bloody In Ondo

At lest five persons have been killed, as a new year carnival staged by youths loyal to two monarchs in lkare Akoko, Akoko North East area of Ondo state, turned bloody.

The two monarchs, Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh and Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, the Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare, have been summoned by both the state government and the security agencies over the breakdown of law and order in the community.

The state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has directed that security personnel be deployed to the troubled community.

The major street in lkare, remained deserted at the time of filling in this report, with both soldiers and police officers patrolling the ancient town.

An age-long rivalry exists between the two monarchs.

Sources told said that intense shootings began on Tuesday evening and continued Wednesday morning.

Shop owners hurriedly closed shop while tension gripped the community

According to report covered by Vanguard Newspaper, It was gathered that youths from the Olukare area prevented some Owa Ale youth’s use of the Okoja area for celebration and the Owa Ale youths retaliated by stopping the carnival.

A local eyewitness  said, “You know Ikare is divided and Okoja is like a centre between the two. The Owa Ale people wanted to use the place but Olukare youths stopped them.

“When the Olukare wanted to use the place for the carnival on Tuesday, the Owa Ale people stopped them and there was a crisis. The shooting was much that the town became deserted.