The Ebonyi State Government has lifted the curfew imposed on Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, bringing an end to months of restrictions following a violent attack that claimed four lives.
The announcement was made by the Director of the Department of State Services, Ene Kolawole, after a high-level security meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Abakaliki. She said normalcy had largely returned to the area, although security operatives would maintain a presence to ensure lasting peace.
Kolawole added that efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the killings, noting that suspects still at large would soon be declared wanted.
The curfew was initially imposed after an attack on indigenes of Okporojo community in neighbouring Edda Local Government Area, which heightened tensions and raised fears of further violence.
Providing further insight into the government’s decision, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Ben Odoh, said the move followed a series of reconciliation efforts between the affected communities. According to him, leaders of Amasiri had written letters of remorse, which were accepted by the people of Okporojo.
He explained that appeals from elders and community stakeholders also influenced the state government’s decision to reject a proposed bill seeking to remove Amasiri Development Centre from the list of recognised development centres in Ebonyi State.
“Amasiri Development Centre remains intact in the interest of justice and peace,” Odoh said.
In a related development, the State Head of Service, Rita-Mary Okoro, disclosed that steps were being taken to fully restore normal activities in the area. She said a directive would soon be issued for schools and healthcare facilities to reopen, while staff previously redeployed would return to their duty posts.
On broader security issues, the state police command confirmed that investigations into the killing of a traditional ruler in Ikwo Local Government Area had been concluded, with suspects expected to face prosecution soon. Investigations into a similar killing in Onicha Local Government Area are still ongoing.
The lifting of the curfew signals a cautious return to normal life in Amasiri, as authorities continue efforts to sustain peace and ensure accountability for the violence that triggered the crisis.
