Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has imposed curfew on Offa and Erinle towns to prevent renewed hostilities between the two communities.
The 6p.m. to 8a.m. curfew followed renewed hostilities between some groups from the two communities yesterday.
Sources said the brewing crisis could not be divorced from a recent disagreement over rights to carry passengers by rival drivers’ unions from both communities.
Offa and Erinle boast a history of internecine crises that had claimed many lives and properties worth millions of naira.
“The curfew takes immediate effect from 6p.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Security agencies have been deployed to enforce the curfew. While security forces on the ground are to maintain the peace, military reinforcement from Sobi Barracks and the Mobile Police Force from Ilorin have been deployed.
“All residents are hereby directed to withdraw from the streets of Offa and Erinle as well as all contested areas immediately. Residents are to stay indoors until the curfew is reviewed,” the governor stated through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Rafiu Ajakaye.
AbdulRazaq urged residents of both communities and travellers crossing the areas to comply with the directive to save life and property.
He appealed to leaders on both sides to caution their people against provocative action, and to maintain peace.
“The security forces are urged to be very firm in dealing with the situation and in enforcing the curfew,” the statement added.
