Ebonyi State Security council has graciously relaxed the 20hours curfew in Amasiri community of Afikpo LGA in the state now 7pm to 6am and to prosecute all those arrested by the Security agencies in connection to the agelong crisis between Oso Edda and Amasiri communities.

The State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru announced this on Tuesday while briefing Journalists at government house Centenary city Abakaliki the state capital on outcome of the State’s latest Security Council meeting.

He added that since Amasiri people refused to provide the severed heads at expiration of 72hours ultimatum as ordered earlier,the state shall impose undisclosed more stringent measures on them.

The Governor also made known the plan of the government to commence prosecution of all the persons arrested and those on search list of the Security agencies in connection to the crisis .

“After careful deliberation and consideration of ongoing investigations, as well as progress made by security agencies, the Council adjusted the curfew to run from 7pm to 6am daily.

“The Council deliberated on key measures required to restore total normalcy to Amasiri /Okporojo communities. It resolved that urgent steps must be taken to demonstrate government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and agreed that all persons arrested in connection with the crisis between the affected communities should be charged to court without delay, rather than remaining in police custody,” the governor stated

On reopening of schools,Council
explained that reopening was not discussed during the meeting and said schools in the affected communities will remain closed pending further review at the next Security Council meeting.

The Council explained in clearer terms that the curfew and other measures were imposed strictly to maintain law and order and to protect lives and property. It added that without these interventions, the crisis could have escalated into a wider communal conflict.