Following a peace accord reached by the parties involved, the Ebonyi State Government has announced the lifting of the curfew earlier imposed on Amasiri Community in Afikpo Local Government Area.
Recall that the curfew came into force in February this year, after four indigenes of Okporojo Village in Edda Local Government Area were allegedly beheaded by suspected Amasiri natives over a land dispute.
Addressing journalists after a security meeting at Government House, Abakaliki, the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Ben Odoh, confirmed the lifting of the curfew.
He explained that the decision followed several appeals for remorse from the people of Amasiri, which were accepted by the Okporojo community.
According to him, the letters were transmitted through traditional rulers of the autonomous communities in Amasiri, assuring the government of their commitment to lasting peace.
Dr. Odoh also disclosed that interventions by the state’s founding fathers and Council of Elders influenced the government’s decision to reject a proposed bill seeking to delist Amasiri Development Center from the state’s 64 development centers.
On security arrangements, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Tarzan Tsav said a limited number of security personnel would remain in Amasiri and surrounding communities to maintain stability.
She added that investigations into the killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Eze Francis Igwe, have been concluded, and suspects will soon be charged in court, while those still at large will be declared wanted.
Mrs. Okafor further revealed that investigations have commenced into the killing of the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Autonomous Community, Eze Jesophat Ikegwu, assuring that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice.
