The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has announced restrictions for residents of Ile-Ife and surrounding towns over the increase in armed robbery incidents in the ancient town.

The Ooni while making the announcement on Saturday said it became imperative to impose the restrictions, to curb the growing rate of armed robbery.

A representative of Ife Chiefs, Lowa Adimula, Abraham Adekola, told newsmen that the restriction order was given at the conclusion of a meeting of the Ife Kingmakers on Saturday.

The Lowa Adimula said the Ooni had already given his blessings and the order for restrictions would be coming into effect on Saturday, January 29 and would be in place until further notice.

Explaining the mode of operation for the restrictions, Adekola said, “lockdown of movement would commence from 11pm and terminate at 5am Ile-Ife from Saturday, January 29 till further notice.

“As a result of that, no vigil, no night party, no night prayer in all churches and mosques.

“The restriction was put in place because the activities of robbers in Ile-Ife is alarming and this is giving many residents sleepless nights.”

While warning that anyone caught flouting the directive would be treated as a robbery suspect, the Ile-Ife chief added that the personnel of the Nigeria Police and local security operatives were now in the communities to ensure the order is strictly adhered to.