The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered the removal of traditional rulers in the Amasiri clan of Afikpo Local Government Area and directed that their staff of office be withdrawn. He also dismissed Professor Amari Omaka, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education from the area, and dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structures in the community.
The governor’s actions came after a violent attack on Okporojo in Oso Edda community, Edda Local Government Area, during which four persons were allegedly beheaded, and their heads reportedly taken by assailants from the Amasiri clan.
Nwifuru issued the directives on Saturday while visiting Okporojo for an on-the-spot assessment. He addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies, and government officials.
Describing the attack as “most unfortunate,” the governor said, “such a barbaric act should never be tolerated in Ebonyi State.” He assured that the state government would take firm action against the perpetrators, emphasizing that the lives lost would not be in vain.
The governor called on residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that any form of retaliation would worsen the situation. He added that government measures would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation.
Nwifuru noted that the conflict had persisted for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between affected communities. He lamented that such agreements had repeatedly been violated. The governor said his visit sent a “strong signal” that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.
Speaking specifically about the Amasiri community, he warned: “Violence would never lead to a meaningful resolution. The situation is rapidly approaching a point of no return if provocations continue.”
Consequently, Nwifuru 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 in the Amasiri autonomous community.
He also ordered the sack of all political appointees from the community, including management committee members and commissioners serving in his administration.
Reaffirming his commitment to restoring lasting peace in Edda Local Government Area, the governor promised tangible improvements in the community by next year through government intervention.
He 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. 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. 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. 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.”
On the role of Afikpo Local Government leadership, Nwifuru said: “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.”
He further stated: “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. 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.”
The governor concluded: “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.”
