Lambussie MP Professor Titus K. Beyuo has appealed to the government to lift the curfew in Hamile, saying the restrictions are causing hardship despite improved security conditions in the community.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, November 5, he said engagements with traditional leaders, opinion leaders and other stakeholders had helped restore calm following the November 3 explosion that killed three people and injured several others.
“Following extensive community engagements with all stakeholders, I am convinced that life has returned to normalcy. The calm we have witnessed has come to stay,” he told the House.
Although he acknowledged that the curfew was necessary when it was imposed, Prof. Beyuo said its continued enforcement was affecting residents’ daily activities.
“The current curfew was timely at the time of imposition and has served its purpose. However, Mr Speaker, the impact on the lives of my constituents is unbearable,” he added.
He also urged security agencies to expedite investigations into the explosion and establish its exact cause to help prevent similar incidents in border communities.
The MP said he had covered the medical bills of injured victims and would continue supporting bereaved families.
“I have absorbed all their medical bills and will continue to support the bereaved families to get closure,” he said.
His appeal came as the Interior Ministry announced a relaxation of the curfew, extending the restricted hours from 6 p.m.–5 a.m. to 10 p.m.–4 a.m., effective November 5.
The ministry has retained a ban on firearms, ammunition and other offensive weapons in Hamile and surrounding communities, warning that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted.
