Ebonyi State Governor, Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru, has taken decisive actions against Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, following the brutal killing of four residents of Okporojo village in Oso Edda community, Edda Local Government Area.
Governor Nwifuru made the announcement on Saturday when he made an on the spot assessment of Okporojo village where suspected Amasiri warlords allegedly launched a deadly attack that left four people beheaded, several houses burnt, and residents abducted.
Some of the decisions include: the immediate dissolution of Amasiri Development Union Executive, the withdrawal of the certificate of recognition of the Traditional Rulers of Amasiri , the removal of all Village Heads in Amasiri,and the dismissal of all government Appointees from the area, including Management Committee Members and Commissioners.
Condemning the violence, Governor Nwifuru described the incident as a tragic escalation of a long-standing boundary dispute, noting that prior reconciliation efforts had failed due to what he called a lack of genuine commitment from the communities involved.
While pointing out that these actions are temporary, he made it clear that further steps would be taken to show everybody why we are government.
“The boundaries have been agreed. This matter did not start today. Unfortunately, reconciliation has not been taken seriously by the communities,” the Governor lamented.
Governor Nwifuru who expressed deep concern over the destruction in the community, and the poor living condition of the people pledged to return personally within a year to oversee measurable improvements in security and development.
He, however, commended security agencies for their “extraordinary and noble efforts” in pursuing the attackers, with some operatives trekking as far as nine kilometres through difficult terrain to protect lives and property.
The Governor called on the people of Okporojo to remain calm and show restraint, assuring them of government support.
The governor while warning the Amasiri community that violence would only worsen its challenges, revealed that reports from the neighbouring Akpoha community indicate that they had blocked major roads fearing an attack.
” The crisis could reach a “point of no return” if provocations continue.
“Violence will never lead anyone anywhere. Only the truth can bring peace,” Nwifuru pointed out.
Those affected by the sanctions include the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Amari Omaka, other government appointees, management committee members, traditional rulers, town union presidents, and village heads from Amasiri community.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Ten Suspects for their alleged involvement in the gruesome murder of the four persons .
The command, in a release endorsed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP, Joshua Ukandu disclosed that security tactical team deployed to the area.
According to the release, among the four victims who were beheaded are three males and one female in the attack incident that occurred Thursday evening.
Reports say the violence stemmed from a decades-old dispute over a specific tract of land at the boundary of Oso Edda in Edda Local Government Area and Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area. Both communities claim ancestral ownership.
