By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
In order to restore peace and order in the warring community,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.
This follows the killing and beheading of four persons in Okporojo village, Oso Edda, in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The victims were allegedly murdered by suspected warlords from Amasiri Community following a renewed hostility in the area that has claimed many lives.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the measures during a high-level security meeting held at the New Government House, Abakaliki, shortly after an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo village to ascertain the extent of destruction in the affected areas.
As part of far-reaching security decisions, the governor ordered the immediate closure of all government 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 for the safety of their wards.
Governor Nwifuru disclosed that the State Security Council had resolved to dethrone all traditional rulers in Amasiri Clan and sack all political appointees.
The council further directed the immediate dissolution of all development union executives, village heads, women leaders, youth leaders, peer groups, and all community-based organisations operating within Amasiri Clan. The state government approved and implemented the directive with immediate effect.
Further more, the council directed that the chairmen of Afikpo, Onicha, Ohaozara, and Ivo Local Government Areas should temporarily take over governance and administrative responsibilities in Amasiri Community.
On legislative action, the council advised the state government to repeal the law establishing Amasiri Development Centre.
The Ebonyi 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 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.
All public and private schools in Amasiri Development Centre and Amasiri Clan have been shut down, with teachers and tutors directed to report to schools in other communities.
Furthermore, all markets, shops, banks, and business activities in Amasiri are to remain closed daily between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
