The Ebonyi State Security Council has announced the full lifting of the curfew imposed on Amasiri community, following a comprehensive review of the security situation in the area.
The Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ebonyi, Mrs. Eneh Yetunde Kolawale, disclosed this while briefing journalists on behalf of the council at the Government House, Abakaliki.
Kolawale said the decision was reached after extensive deliberations by the council, noting that the security situation had improved sufficiently to warrant the removal of the restriction.
“We reviewed the situation in Amasiri and resolved that the curfew be lifted completely,” she said.
She, however, stated that security agencies would maintain a strategic presence in the community to sustain peace and prevent a relapse into violence.
She warned that individuals involved in criminal activities during the crisis would still be tracked and brought to justice.
“Those involved in criminal acts, including those yet to be apprehended, will be arrested. Their identities have been documented,” she added.
Also speaking, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Ben Odoh, said the decision to restore normalcy followed assurances of remorse and cooperation from traditional authorities and key stakeholders in the community.
Odoh further disclosed that the Amasiri Development Centre, which was affected during the crisis, had been reinstated in the interest of justice and reconciliation.
“Following appeals by the founding fathers and the Elders Council, and in the overall interest of justice, the Amasiri Development Centre has been restored.
"This brings the total number of development centres in the state to 64,” he said.
In her remarks, the Head of Service, Mrs. Ritamary Okoro, said modalities had been put in place to ensure the full reopening of public institutions, including schools and healthcare facilities.
She noted that official circulars would be issued to relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to facilitate the return of staff and the resumption of normal services in the affected areas.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Ikeuwa Omebeh, described the development as a transition from crisis to recovery, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
“We are moving from a period of crisis to recovery. Although restoration will be gradual, the government remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property,” Omebeh said.
He commended community leaders, elders, and residents for their cooperation throughout the period of unrest, reaffirming the government’s commitment to its “Peoples Charter of Needs” policy thrust.
On the killing of a traditional ruler in Ikwo and Onicha Local Government Areas amid the crisis time, the commissioner confirmed that investigations had been concluded and that the suspect would soon be arraigned in court.
“The suspect will be charged to court shortly, possibly within the week. All necessary steps are being taken to ensure justice is served,” the commissioner said.
The commissioner added that other outstanding issues, including those relating to sacked political appointees, dethroned monarchs, and the dissolution of town union and community leadership structures, would be addressed in due course.
He concluded that the lifting of the curfew has marked a significant step in the Ebonyi State government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in Amasiri after weeks of tension and unrest.
