By Brenda Chidinma Imo‑Eze
The recent wave of violence in Ebonyi State has cast a long shadow over Amasiri community, leaving residents anxious and wary. The unrest began months earlier with a boundary dispute between Okporojo village in Oso Edda, Ohaozara LGA, and neighbouring settlements. Tensions, which had simmered for years, escalated violently last month when armed assailants attacked Okporojo, leaving several people dead and several others injured.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attack was sudden and brutal. Families were caught off-guard, properties destroyed, and livestock looted. Survivors fled to neighbouring communities, fearing reprisals. The violence not only claimed lives but destabilized the social and economic fabric of the area.
In response, the Ebonyi State government imposed a curfew in Amasiri, Afikpo LGA, as a precautionary measure to contain the violence and prevent escalation. Initially running round-the-clock, the curfew was recently revised to 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily, while allowing lawful activities during daylight hours. Governor Francis Nwifuru emphasized that the curfew is preventive, not punitive, and that schools would remain closed pending further security assessments.
“While there are clear social and economic benefits to reopening schools, prevailing security realities demand caution,” the governor said following a State Security Council meeting. Security agencies have reportedly made significant breakthroughs, including recovering a shallow grave and recording confessional statements from arrested suspects. Others are still at large, and heightened surveillance continues.
The curfew and school closures have had far-reaching consequences. Markets operate at limited capacity, parents worry about lost instructional time, and children remain home for extended periods. Residents report increased anxiety and uncertainty as daily routines are disrupted. Civic leaders warn that security enforcement alone is insufficient and urge mediation, dialogue, and community reconciliation to address the root causes of the conflict.
The human toll is not limited to deaths and injuries. Families displaced from Okporojo face economic hardship, property losses, and social isolation. Traders in Amasiri lament dwindling customers, while local education stakeholders worry about long-term disruptions.
Civil society organizations and rights groups are monitoring the situation closely, advocating for swift prosecution of perpetrators and urging the government to facilitate structured dialogue among affected communities. Security officials, for their part, insist that operations are intelligence-driven and aimed at preventing further violence, while the governor cautions against spreading misinformation that could inflame tensions.
As dusk falls each day over Amasiri, the quiet streets serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between security enforcement and community life. While the curfew offers temporary protection, residents, civic actors, and authorities alike recognize that lasting peace will require a combination of justice, dialogue, and reconciliation, addressing long-standing boundary disputes and rebuilding trust among communities.