KEY POINTS
- Ozoro’s curfew runs from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.
- The restriction took effect on October 23 and will remain until further notice.
- Police, soldiers and other security agencies are working to restore peace and arrest suspects.
The Isoko North Security Council in Delta State has imposed a nightly curfew in Ozoro following renewed clashes between rival cult groups that have heightened security concerns in the community.
The curfew, which runs from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, took effect on Friday, October 23, 2026, and will remain in place until further notice.
The council chairman, Hon. Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba, announced the restriction in a statement issued on Friday after a meeting of the local security council.
Ozoro, the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area, has experienced renewed violence linked to clashes between rival cult groups. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of residents and the protection of property.
Ogorugba said the curfew was necessary to restore peace, maintain public order and give security agencies the opportunity to carry out operations aimed at containing the violence.
He stressed that the council was taking steps to prevent further attacks and return the community to normalcy.
Residents Ordered to Stay Indoors at Night
Under the directive, residents of Ozoro and surrounding communities must remain indoors between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. every day until the restriction is lifted.
The order also applies to motorists and commercial motorcycle operators, commonly known as Okada riders, limiting their movement during the restricted hours.
The council urged residents to comply with the directive and cooperate with security personnel working to prevent further violence.
Ogorugba also called on members of the public to provide credible information that could help authorities identify suspected criminals and prevent additional security threats.
The council chairman directed security agencies to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in the cult-related clashes.
He said the local government was working with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other relevant security agencies to restore calm and ensure residents could go about their daily activities safely.
The collaboration is expected to support security operations in the affected areas and help prevent further confrontations between rival groups.
However, the council did not specify how long the security operations would last or when the curfew might be reviewed.
Ogorugba appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen tensions in the community.
He also urged parents and community leaders to caution young people against criminal activities and involvement in cult groups.
The chairman emphasised the importance of community cooperation in addressing the security challenges, encouraging residents to support efforts to identify those responsible for the violence.
