By Ayodele Popoola & Adeboye Ado

Normalcy has been restored in Owo, Ondo State, following a violent cult clash that claimed four lives on Monday.

The Commissioner of Police for Ondo State Command, Wilfred Afolabi, confirmed on Tuesday morning that 19 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, Afolabi explained that his visit to Owo was to ensure compliance with the curfew imposed by the state government.

The Commissioner assured journalists that peace had returned to the troubled area and pledged that those apprehended would face the full force of the law.

He visited several locations in Owo, including Eyin Ogbe, Ijebu Owo, and the Palace, as part of his assessment.

The Hope learnt that between 6am and 10am, residents of the ancient town remained indoors, gripped by fear over what might unfold amidst the heavy presence of security personnel patrolling the area.

Recall that the crisis prompted the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew across the town, effective from Monday night. The curfew, running from 7 pm to 6 am, aims to prevent further escalation of violence.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the curfew was described as a necessary measure to address ongoing cult clashes and security disturbances that had claimed lives in the community.

Residents have been directed to stay indoors during the curfew hours, with exemptions granted only for essential services such as hospitals, emergency responders, and law enforcement.

The Governor also tasked security agencies with safeguarding lives and property, apprehending those responsible for the violence, and ensuring peace is fully restored in Owo.