Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Monday lifted the three-month curfew imposed on the Amasiri community of the Afikpo Local Government Area, following an attack perpetrated by the community on Okporojo Village in the Idima community of the Edda Local Government Area of the state.
The attack reportedly led to the beheading of four indigenes of the Okporojo community, destruction of properties and halting of both social and economic activities in the affected area.
In a chat with newsmen after a Security Council meeting held at the conference room of the governor’s office, Centenary City, Abakaliki, the director of the State Security Service (DSS), Mrs E.Y. Kolawole, disclosed that the curfew has been completely lifted, even as she emphasised that security personnel would remain in the troubled area until peace and stability are completely restored.
According to her, suspects still at large would soon be declared wanted by security agencies in the state.
“We resolved that a minimal security presence will remain in the area to sustain peace. Those involved in the crime who are yet to be apprehended will soon be declared wanted,” she said.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barr. Ben Odoh explained that the decision followed several letters of remorse written by the people of Amasiri Community, which were accepted by the people of Okporojo Village.
Barr. Odoh further revealed that appeals from the founding fathers and the council of elders influenced the government’s decision to reject a bill seeking to delist the Amasiri Development Centre from the 64 development centres of the state.
“Consequently, the state government has rejected the bill and communicated its position to the state House of Assembly in the interest of justice. Amasiri Development Centre remains, and we still have 64 development centres in the state,” he said.
The State Head of Service, Mrs Rita Mary Okoro, added that her office would oversee the lifting of restrictions on schools and hospitals.
She added that a circular would soon be issued to the ministries of education and health, as well as the local government service commission, directing that staff previously redeployed from Amasiri Development Centre be returned to their posts.
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