Ebonyi Govt lifts curfew on Amasiri community
Ebonyi State Government Lifts Curfew in Amasiri Autonomous Community
The Ebonyi State Government has lifted the curfew imposed on the Amasiri Autonomous Community in Afikpo Local Government Area, a move that comes three months after the tragic killing of four residents from Okporojo Village in the Idima Community, Edda Local Government Area.
Mrs. E.Y. Kolawole, Director of the State Security Service (DSS), announced the decision during a press briefing on Monday following a security council meeting at the Governor’s Office in Abakaliki. She confirmed that the curfew has been fully lifted, although security personnel will remain in the area to maintain peace and stability.
Kolawole also indicated that law enforcement officials will soon issue warrants for other suspects still at large in connection with the incident.
State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Ben Odoh, stated that the decision to lift the curfew was influenced by multiple letters of remorse from the Amasiri Community, which were accepted by the people of Okporojo Village. These letters were relayed through Amasiri’s traditional leaders and included assurances of a commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Odoh further explained that appeals from community leaders and elders contributed to the government’s choice to reject a proposed bill to remove the Amasiri Development Centre from the state’s list of 64 development centers.
In addressing the restoration of normalcy, the State Head of Service, Mrs. Rita Mary Okoro, announced plans to oversee the removal of restrictions on schools and healthcare facilities in the area. She indicated that a circular would be distributed to the Ministries of Education and Health, as well as the Local Government Service Commission, instructing the reinstatement of staff previously redeployed from the Amasiri Development Centre.
Additionally, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Okafor, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Tarzan Tsav, confirmed that investigations into the killing of Eze Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, have concluded, with suspects expected to face charges in court shortly. He also expressed that inquiries into the killing of the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Autonomous Community are ongoing, assuring that those responsible will be prosecuted once the investigation is complete.
