Land dispute: Kwara declares dusk-to-dawn curfew in Offa, Erinle

Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara, has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Offa and Erinle communities of the state.

Both communities have a history of communal clashes dating back over 40 years, and usually over land boundaries.

In December 2018, the supreme court ruled a land dispute in Erinle’s favour, but Offa indigenes disagreed with the judgment at the time.

Residents of both communities are said to have clashed earlier on Thursday, with gunshots heard in the area, but it is not yet clear what led to the recent conflict.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Rafiu Ajakaye, his chief press secretary, the governor said the curfew became necessary to douse renewed tension between the two communities.

Residents have also been directed to “withdraw from contested areas”.

The curfew, which is till further notice, is to run from 6pm to 8pm daily.

The governor cautioned residents against engaging in provocative actions that would disrupt the peace in the state.

“The curfew takes immediate effect from 6 p.m. today, Thursday, March 4, 2021. Security agencies have been deployed to enforce the curfew,” the statement reads.

“While security forces on ground are to maintain the peace, military reinforcements from Sobi Barracks and the Mobile Police Force from Ilorin have been deployed immediately.

“All residents are hereby directed to withdraw from the streets of Offa and Erinle and all contested areas immediately. Residents are to stay indoors until the curfew is reviewed.”

Abdulrazaq also urged travellers passing through the communities to comply with the directive.