Peace Returns to Amasiri as Ebonyi Govt Lifts Curfew, Reopens Schools
The state government has lifted the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on Amasiri Community in Afikpo Local Government Area, following the bloody clash with neighbouring Okporojo village in Edda Council Area.
The decision was announced after Monday’s meeting of the Ebonyi State Security Council, by the Director of DSS, Mrs Eneh Kolawole thereby signaling a breakthrough in efforts to restore lasting peace in the troubled area.
Briefing journalists, Mrs Kolawole, said the council, which coordinates intelligence and security interventions across the state, played a key role in de-escalating the crisis stressing that security presence would be maintained to prevent any resurgence of violence, as suspects arrested in connection with the killings would be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Odoh, said the lifting followed letters of remorse from Amasiri people which were accepted by the Okporojo people and their traditional institutions. He added that the proposed bill to delist Amasiri Development Centre had been dropped, affirming that the state would retain all 64 development centres.
The Head of Service, Dr. Rita Mary Okoro, said her office was directed to ensure the immediate reopening of schools and hospitals, while civil servants earlier redeployed due to the crisis have been directed to return to their duty posts.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru stabilising the situation with an assurance of safeguarding lives and property.
In addition, the government approved the dethronement of two traditional rulers in the area and dissolved all community-based leadership structures, including development union executives, village heads, women leaders, youth leaders, and peer groups, as part of measures to restore calm.
However, the curfew was imposed in February after suspected Amasiri youths allegedly attacked Okporojo village in Edda LGA, leaving four persons dead and several houses razed, sparking tension across the area.
