In a sweeping move to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed, the Ebonyi State Government has imposed a daily curfew from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. in Amasiri Community, Afikpo Local Government Area of the state.
The decision follows the killing and beheading of four persons in Okporojo village, Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area, in what authorities describe as a renewed wave of hostilities that has already claimed several lives. The victims were allegedly murdered by suspected warlords from Amasiri Community.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the measures during a high-level security meeting at the New Government House, Abakaliki, shortly after an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected community to evaluate the extent of destruction.
As part of far-reaching security actions, the governor ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools in Amasiri Community. Parents and guardians were advised to relocate their children and wards to schools outside the area to ensure their safety.
Governor Nwifuru further disclosed that the State Security Council resolved to dethrone all traditional rulers in Amasiri Clan and sack all political appointees from the area. In addition, the council ordered the dissolution of all development union executives, village heads, women and youth leaders, peer groups, and community-based organisations operating within the clan. The directives have taken immediate effect.
To ensure administrative continuity, the chairmen of Afikpo, Onicha, Ohaozara, and Ivo Local Government Areas have been directed to temporarily take over governance and administrative responsibilities in Amasiri Community.
On the legislative front, the council advised the state government to repeal the law establishing the Amasiri Development Centre. The state government confirmed that a bill to repeal the 2015 Local Government and Development Centre Law has been prepared and will be transmitted to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to remove Amasiri Development Centre from the list of recognised development centres.
The governor also ordered the immediate redeployment of all staff of the Amasiri Development Centre to their parent local governments, where they are to continue their official duties.
Meanwhile, all public and private schools in Amasiri Development Centre and Amasiri Clan have been shut down, with teachers directed to report to schools in other communities. Markets, shops, banks, and other business activities in Amasiri are also to remain closed daily between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. until further notice.
The state government said the decisive actions are aimed at restoring law and order, protecting lives, and bringing lasting peace to the troubled community.