Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has relaxed the curfew earlier imposed on Amasiri community following deadly boundary clashes, but ordered that schools in the area remain closed pending further security review.
The adjusted curfew will now run from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm replacing the previous restriction of 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The governor said the decision followed what he described as measurable progress made by security agencies deployed to contain the crisis.
Despite the easing of movement, Nwifuru maintained that educational institutions in Amasiri would remain shut, stressing that the safety of students and teachers remains a top priority.
He said the decision would be reassessed after another evaluation by the State Security Council.
The governor reiterated his earlier directive asking the community to produce four human heads and individuals allegedly abducted during the violence.
He warned that stricter actions would follow if the directive is not complied with.
Speaking after a security meeting, Nwifuru said the curfew was introduced as a preventive step to avert further breakdown of law and order, noting that intelligence reports suggested the dispute could have escalated into a broader communal conflict involving neighbouring communities.
On ongoing investigations, the governor disclosed that law enforcement agencies have been directed to accelerate prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with the killings.
While reaffirming the presumption of innocence, he revealed that investigators had uncovered a shallow grave and obtained confessional statements, describing the findings as significant breakthroughs.
Security forces, he added, are intensifying efforts to track down other suspects believed to be at large.
Beyond the curfew adjustment and school closure, the State Security Council approved additional emergency measures aimed at restoring calm in Amasiri and surrounding areas.
Although specific operational details were withheld for security reasons, the governor assured residents that government actions are intelligence-driven and focused on preventing further loss of life.
He also cautioned against the spread of unverified information and inflammatory comments on social media, warning that such actions could undermine security operations and heighten tensions.
