Ebonyi Govt Moves to Delist Amasiri Development Centre Over Crises

The Ebonyi State Government has commenced steps to remove Amasiri from the list of recognised Development Centres in the state following persistent crises in the area.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru made this known on Monday while briefing journalists after a meeting of the State Security Council in Abakaliki.

The governor said an executive bill would be transmitted to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to repeal the Ebonyi State Local Government and Development Centre Law of 2015, as it relates to Amasiri, in order to cancel its creation as a Development Centre.

He disclosed that the Security Council also resolved to dethrone the two traditional rulers of Amasiri clan and dissolve all groups and unions operating in the community.

According to the governor, all public amenities in Amasiri, including public and private schools, have been shut down, while teachers are to be redeployed to other communities outside the area.

“The commissioners for primary and secondary education, as well as local government, have been directed to immediately post teachers to other communities,” he said.

Mr Nwifuru further announced the imposition of a curfew in the area, restricting movement from 2 p.m. to 10 a.m., with all banks, markets, shops and quarries ordered to remain closed.

He directed the chairmen of Afikpo, Ivo, Onicha and Ohaozara Local Government Areas to immediately take over government activities in Amasiri.

The governor said the Security Council also mandated law enforcement agencies to enforce the resolutions, arrest those responsible for the violence and recover the severed heads of victims of the Okporojo killings.

He recalled that the state government had earlier sacked all government appointees from Amasiri in response to the recurring security challenges.

The briefing was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Monday Uzor.