By Ayodele Oni
As a follow up to tackle insecurity in Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government area of Ebonyi State, Government, on Saturday night, imposed stringent a curfew following renewed communal violence involving the Okporojo community in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of the State.
The State Police command also confirmed the arrest of 10 persons.
The fresh violence reportedly led to the beheading of about five persons in Okporojo on Thursday by suspected Amasiri warlords.
The same group was also accused of attacking Akpoha community in Afikpo Local Government Area, where four persons were abducted.
Three of the abductees were later released following intense pressure from the state government.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the measures after an emergency State Security Council meeting held on Saturday, and assessment visit to the affected Okporojo community.
The governor explained that the Security Council recommended the immediate removal of the traditional rulers in Amasiri, a decision the government accepted without delay.
“The Security Council advised the government, and we have agreed to immediately dethrone the two traditional rulers in Amasiri. Their letters of dethronement will be issued without delay,” Nwifuru said.
He also announced the dissolution of all leadership structures in the area, including development union executives, village heads, women and youth leaders, and other organized groups.
“All leadership structures in Amasiri are hereby dissolved with immediate effect,” the governor declared.
The governor further stated that local government chairmen of the affected areas, alongside other officials in Ebonyi South, would take over government activities in Amasiri, while security agencies were directed to act decisively to restore peace.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police briefed the council that about ten persons had been arrested in connection with the crisis.
“Investigations are ongoing, and suspects remain suspects until proven guilty by a competent court,” the governor added.
The governor also revealed that the state government would forward an executive bill to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to repeal the law establishing the Amasiri Development Centre.
“An executive bill has been prepared to repeal the law creating Amasiri Development Centre,” he stated.
As part of the emergency measures, the governor ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools in the area, with teachers to be redeployed to other parts of the state.
“There will be no school in Amasiri from tomorrow morning, and a curfew from 2 p.m. to 10 a.m. is hereby imposed until peace is fully restored,” Nwifuru announced.
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