3 months later, Ebonyi Govt lifts curfew on Amasiri community

From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Government has lifted the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew imposed on the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, three months after an attack on its neighbour, Okporojo in Edda Local Government Area.

The curfew was introduced following a violent incident in January 2026, during which Amasiri warlords allegedly burnt several houses and properties and beheaded four persons from Okporojo, including two elderly women.

Briefing journalists on Monday, the State Director of the Department of State Services, Kolawole Eneh, said the decision to lift the curfew was reached at this week’s State Security Executive Council meeting held at the governor’s office.

She also announced that restrictions on teaching and learning in both primary and secondary schools had been lifted.

According to her, “At the end of today’s state security meeting, the council agreed to fully lift the curfew imposed on Amasiri community.”

The council also rejected the proposed delisting of Amasiri as a development centre and restored its status as one of the 64 development centres in the state.

In the education sector, the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Head of Service have issued a memo directing teachers, pupils, and students from Amasiri—who had been deployed to neighbouring schools—to return to their original duty posts and classrooms.

Meanwhile, the severed heads of the four victims have yet to be recovered or returned.

The council further stated that suspects earlier arrested in connection with the Okporojo killings would be charged to court soon.