ONDO CARNIVAL GOES BLOODY, KILLING FIVE PEOPLE.

A new year celebration hosted by youths loyal to two warring kings in lkare Akoko, Akoko North East area of Ondo state, turned murderous, according to reports.

As a result, the state government and security agencies summoned the two monarchs, Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh, and Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, the Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare, for the breakdown of law and order in the town.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has ordered the deployment of security troops to the volatile community.

At the time of writing, the main street in lkare was vacant, with soldiers and police officials patrolling the ancient town.

The two monarchs have had a long-standing feud.

According to sources, the violent gunshots began Tuesday evening and continued Wednesday morning.

While the neighbourhood was tense, business owners immediately locked their doors.

The bloodbath was provoked by the utilization of the Okoja area for the carnival.

According to reports, Olukare youths barred some Owa Ale youths from using the Okoja location for celebration, and the Owa Ale youths retaliated by halting the carnival.

“You know Ikare is divided, and Okoja is like a center between the two,”. The Olukare youths barred the Owa Ale people from using the location.

“When the Olukare sought to use the place for the festival on Tuesday, the Owa Ale people stopped them and there was a crisis. The firing was so intense that the community was deserted.

“The kids mobilized for another attack this morning (Wednesday), and the shootings continue. Many businesses have been forced to close, but the police have intervened.”

When contacted, Funmi Odunlami, the state police image maker, remained mum on the casualties but verified that.

During the bloodbath, no one was gravely hurt.

According to Ondo Officers spokesman Funmilayo Odunlami, the police were able to calm the situation and restore normalcy to the region.

Odunlami said ” the warring groups have been advised to keep peace , Police and troops are monitoring the town to ensure law and order within the area.