Arson Attack: Fayose Lifts Curfew, Urges Ekiti People to Eschew Violence

Olakiitan Victor The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has ordered the lifting of the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on Ado Ekiti capital city last Thursday, following bloody clashes between some drivers’ unions and Hausa traders.

Fayose, who said the order takes immediate effect, had last week imposed the 6p.m. to 6a.m. curfew on Ado Ekiti metropolis, to stem the violent act that nearly degenerated into ethnic scuffles.

The governor, who made the pronouncement yesterday, following restoration of peace, urged all residents to be law abiding and conduct themselves in a manner that will not cause further breakdown of law and order.

Fayose, who said he knew the level of hardship the threeday curfew caused residents of the state capital, expressed his sympathies to the people.

He, however, warned that the government will not hesitate to apply stricter measures, should there be any further threat to peace in Ado Ekiti in particular and the state in general.

Meanwhile, ex-governor Kayode Fayemi made a dramatic appearance in Ado-Ekiti where he commiserated with the paramount ruler of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, over the recent communal clash in the state.

Fayemi, who arrived the palace around 2p.m. yesterday with some former members of his cabinet, said he was at the palace to identify with monarch over the unfortunate incident .

He also visited the Hausa Community in the new area named Sasha where they have been relocated and the spot of the market inferno, promising the incoming government’s assistance to rebuild the market.

The chieftain of All Progressives Congress(APC) also condemned the spate of kidnappings of Ekiti professionals and other innocent people.

Fayemi said, the present negative image of Ekiti had begun to take it toll on economic activities in the state, recalling how those who engaged in the hospitality businesses now lament low patronage.

“Some of colleagues friends would have accompanied me to Ekiti but many of them declined the invitation as result of the spate of violence and kidnapping. I don’t think Ekiti deserves this negative label which is why I am calling on well meaning indigenes of this state join hands with those who are willing to return peace to the state.”

He decried how the relationship between indigenes and settlers suddenly degenerated to the level where they destroyed each other’s properties .

The governor called all Ekiti people and other stakeholders to join hands against the twin evil violence and kidnapping which according to him is strange to the culture of the land.

In his response , Oba Adejugbe thanked the ex- governor for the visit urging not to relent in his efforts to ensure that the peace reign in the state.