By joshua 
Ebonyi Govt Relaxes Curfew On Amasiri Community, Restores DC, Orders Reopening Of Hospitals, Schools
The Ebonyi State Government has lifted curfew earlier imposed on Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area following the killings of Okporojo indigenes.
The decision was reached at the State Security Council meeting held at Governor’s office Centenary City Abakaliki.
Briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mrs. Eneh Kolawole noted that although the curfew has been lifted, security agencies would maintain a minimal presence in the area to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
Kolawole also revealed that suspects apprehended in connection with the crisis would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
On his part, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ben Uruchi Odoh, explained that the decision to lift the curfew followed a series of letters of remorse submitted by the Amasiri community, which were accepted by the Okporojo people and endorsed by their respective traditional institutions.
On the status of the Amasiri Development Centre, Dr. Odoh revealed that the proposed bill seeking its delisting has been rejected. He noted that appeals from founding fathers and the Elders’ Council influenced the decision, adding that a formal memo would be transmitted to the State House of Assembly to convey the government’s position. According to him, the restoration of the development centre means Ebonyi State will retain its existing 64 Development Centres.
The State Head of Service, Dr. Rita Mary Okoro, hinted that her office would oversee the lifting of restrictions on schools and hospitals.
She added that a circular would soon be issued to the Ministries of Education and Health, as well as the Local Government Service Commission, directing that staff previously redeployed from Amasiri Development Centre be returned to their duty posts.
The Commissioner for Information, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, reassured residents of the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The Commissioner urged residents of Amasiri and surrounding communities to sustain peace and cooperate with security agencies to ensure lasting stability.