The curfew imposed on the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has been lifted, three months after the attack and killing of four indigenes of Okporojo, Oso-Edda in Edda Local Government Area.
The Director of State Security Service, Ene Kolawole, announced that the curfew has been completely lifted while briefing journalists after a security meeting held at the Conference Room of the Governor’s Office, Ochudo Centenary City in Abakaliki.
She noted that security personnel would remain in the area to sustain peace, adding that suspects still at large would soon be declared wanted.
“We resolved that a minimal security presence will remain in the area to sustain peace. Those involved in the crime who are yet to be apprehended will soon be declared wanted,” Kolawole.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Ben Odoh, explained that the decision followed several letters of remorse written by the people of Amasiri Community and accepted by the people of Okporojo Village.
He noted that the letters were submitted through the traditional leadership of Amasiri, assuring the government of their commitment to peace.
Odoh further revealed that appeals from the founding fathers and the council of elders influenced the government’s decision to reject a bill seeking to delist Amasiri Development Centre from the state’s 64 development centres.
“Consequently, the state government has rejected the bill and communicated its position to the State House of Assembly in the interest of justice.
“Amasiri Development Centre remains, and we still have 64 development centres in the State,” he added.
In her part, the State Head of Service, Mrs. Rita-mary Okoro, said her office would oversee the lifting of restrictions on schools and hospitals.
Credit: channelstv.com
