Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government has announced the full lifting of the curfew earlier imposed on the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, following what it described as fruitful engagements with stakeholders and security authorities aimed at restoring peace in the area.
The decision was reached after a high-level security and peace meeting involving government officials, community leaders, and members of the Separatist Council, alongside representatives of key security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
- Odion Musa Wins Medals at Nigeria Athletics Masters Championship
- Stranded whale ‘Timmy’ released into North Sea in dramatic rescue
Briefing journalists after the meeting, officials said the curfew had been lifted 100 per cent. At the same time, a minimal presence of security personnel would be maintained in the area to sustain the fragile peace.
They also disclosed that individuals implicated in the crisis would be tracked and apprehended, stressing that those found culpable would be declared wanted by relevant authorities.
The government noted that the resolutions were influenced by a series of letters from Amasiri stakeholders, including expressions of remorse and commitments to peace from members of the Okorojo community, as well as endorsements from various traditional institutions.
According to officials, the reconciliatory gestures and assurances from both sides played a significant role in convincing state authorities to ease restrictions and initiate the process of normalisation.
In a related development, the state government announced the reversal of an earlier move to delist the Amasiri Development Centre from the existing 64 development centres in the state.
The decision followed appeals from the founding fathers and members of the Elders Council, who urged the government to act in the interest of justice and unity.
“Government has rejected the bill seeking to delist Amasiri Development Centre and has accordingly communicated its position to the State House of Assembly,” an official stated, adding that the centre has now been fully restored, bringing the number of development centres back to 64.
As part of efforts to fully reintegrate the community, the council also directed the immediate lifting of restrictions on public institutions, including schools and healthcare facilities.
RitaMary Okoro the head of service to the State Government was mandated to issue circulars to the Ministries of Education and Health, as well as the Local Government Service Commission, to facilitate the redeployment of staff who were earlier withdrawn from Amasiri due to the crisis.
Meanwhile, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Odom and the Commissioner for Information, Ikeuwa Omebe during the joint press briefing, revealed that the council also observed a moment of silence in honour of the Governor’s escort commander who recently died.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, describing the current phase as one of restoration following destruction.
“We are determined as a government to uphold our primary responsibility of safeguarding lives and property. The process of rebuilding and restoring affected communities will be gradual but steady until full normalcy is achieved,” he said.
The government further commended residents, traditional rulers, security agencies, and stakeholders for their cooperation and patience, assuring that sustained peace and development remain top priorities in the state.