Curfew in Ondo State

The authorities in the southwest Nigerian state of Ondo have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the town of Ikare-Akoko following reports of 20 deaths resulting from clashes between supporters of two rival monarchs there, ‘The Guardian’ reported on Wednesday. Information Commissioner Olu Adegboro, announcing the 6.00 p.m - 7.00 a.m curfew on Wednesday, deplored the violence and warned that anyone violating the curfew would be punished. The violence, which began last weekend, dates back to 1992 when the Owaale, one of the monarchs in question, was recognised by the government even though the Olukare was reportedly already the traditional ruler, the daily reported.