Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered sweeping sanctions against the Amasiri clan in Afikpo Local Government Area, including the removal of traditional rulers, withdrawal of their staff of office, and the dissolution of all political and community leadership structures in the area.
The governor also dismissed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka, who hails from Amasiri, alongside other political appointees from the community.
The decisive actions followed a violent attack on Okporojo in Oso Edda community, Edda Local Government Area, where four persons were allegedly beheaded, with their heads reportedly taken away by assailants said to be from Amasiri.
Nwifuru announced the measures on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo, where he met residents, traditional leaders, security operatives and government officials. He described the incident as “most unfortunate,” insisting that such brutality would not be tolerated in Ebonyi State.
The governor assured the grieving community that the perpetrators would be brought to justice, stressing that the victims did not die in vain. He appealed for calm and warned against reprisals, noting that retaliation would only deepen the crisis.
According to Nwifuru, the conflict between the communities had dragged on for years despite repeated peace meetings, boundary demarcations and agreements, many of which were allegedly violated. He said his visit underscored the state government’s resolve to end lawlessness and enforce respect for the rule of law.
Issuing a strong warning to the Amasiri community, the governor said continued provocation could push the crisis to “a point of no return,” emphasizing that violence would never produce a lasting solution.
He therefore announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executives, the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate, and the removal of all village heads within the Amasiri autonomous community. He also ordered the sack of all political appointees from Amasiri, from management committee members to commissioners.
Reiterating his commitment to restoring peace in Edda Local Government Area, Nwifuru promised that government intervention would bring visible development and stability to the affected communities by next year.
Expressing deep emotion over the killings, the governor said:
“I am particularly very saddened. I repent of this kind of development. I have never in my whole life expected this kind of development. It is quite unfortunate. But as a careful leader, you speak less when you are very angry, and at this moment I will speak less.”
He added:
“I want to assure the people of Okporojo autonomous community that the government of Ebonyi State will definitely show the perpetrators what it means to challenge government authority. I promise you, the lives lost will never be in vain by the special grace of God.”
Calling for restraint, Nwifuru said:
“I am seeking the right words at this moment so that I do not escalate the crisis, but I plead with all of you to maintain peace. At the end of the day, those who started this violence will regret it. My visit here today will leave a very bold mark.”
He further warned that immediate consequences would follow his visit.
“By the end of today, you will see the outcome of this visit. And I promise you, as long as I remain your governor, this kind of rascality will never happen again.”
Speaking on the Afikpo Local Government leadership, the governor noted:
“The Chairman of Afikpo is here. He is known for his doggedness, peace-loving nature and respect for the rule of law. But if his subjects decide to take lives at will, it is a pity.”
Nwifuru also reflected on the prolonged nature of the dispute, saying:
“If you see a quiet person, do not push him to the wall. I have been pushed to the wall. This matter did not start today. We have held several meetings, traced boundaries and reached agreements. But it has now reached a critical point.”
He added that the crisis had begun to spread fear beyond the immediate area.
“My message to the people of Amasiri is to rethink their actions. Violence will never lead them anywhere. I have also heard that Akpoha community blocked their road because they feared an attack. This shows how far things have gone.”
Concluding, the governor declared:
“On this note, for now, the development union executives and all village leadership structures in Amasiri are hereby dissolved. The traditional ruler’s certificate is withdrawn. All government appointees from Amasiri, from management committee members to commissioners, are hereby sacked. All village heads in Amasiri autonomous communities are removed. We will do more, and we will show everyone why we are government.”
