Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, yesterday, announced the closure of all private and public schools in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Council, due to its role in the killings during a land dispute with Osso, Edda Local Council.
He made the announcement while briefing newsmen after a security meeting held in his office.
Also, he further announced a curfew in the area from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., expressing sadness over the development. He also noted that the Amasiri people have not shown enough commitment to a permanent solution to the conflict.
Nwifuru had, during a visit to the affected village on Saturday, announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Development Union executive, the withdrawal of the certificate of recognition of the traditional ruler of Amasiri, and the removal of all village heads across Amasiri autonomous communities.
He said: “Parents, teachers and students in the community are advised to adhere strictly to the directive. Teachers and students are hereby directed to report to schools in other communities for their academic endeavours.
“The leadership of Afikpo, Onicha, Ohaozara and Ivo councils are directed to take over the administration of the Amasiri Community.
“The state government will repeal the 2015 Local Government Area Development Centre law of the state, to delist Amasiri Development Centre from the list of development centres in the state.”
Nwifuru has said that he was not against the Amasiri people but was only on the side of the truth.
It will be recalled that Amasiri gunmen had, on Thursday, attacked Okporojo Community, Oso Edda, in Edda Local Council Area of Ebonyi State, where many were feared dead and several others abducted following a deadly attack.
A source said that the gunmen invaded the community, shooting sporadically and setting houses ablaze, adding that the assailants ambushed the community, causing panic as residents fled for safety.
The Guardian
