Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure of Amasiri Community, Afikpo local government area of the state.
This followed a violent attack on Okporojo Village, Oso Edda Community in Edda Local Government Area on Thursday during which four persons were reportedly beheaded.
The attack has been blamed on the people of Amasiri who the Okporojo people have been having boundary dispute.
Houses and properties worth millions were also destroyed in the area.
The Governor announced the sweeping sanctions on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo village where he addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.
Visibly saddened by the incident, Nwifuru described the attack as “most unfortunate” and said he never expected such a level of brutality to occur in the state.
He assured the affected community that the state government would decisively deal with those responsible, stressing that the lives lost would not be in vain.
“I am very pained by this development. As a careful leader, when you are angry, you speak less. But I want to assure you that the government of Ebonyi State will show the perpetrators what it truly means to be a government,” the Governor said.
He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that retaliatory violence would only worsen the situation.
According to him, government actions would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Nwifuru pointed out the conflict had lingered for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were not respected.
He noted that his visit was a “strong signal” that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.
While commending security agencies for their swift response, the governor disclosed that security operatives had trekked long distances to track the perpetrators and had assured him of the safety of lives and property in the area.
He pledged the full support of the state government to security agencies to restore lasting peace.
Turning to the role of Amasiri Community in the crisis, Nwifuru issued a stern warning, stating that violence would never lead to a meaningful resolution.
He cautioned that the situation was fast approaching “a point of no return” if provocations continued.
He announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members.
He also ordered the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate and the removal of all village heads in Amasiri autonomous community.
He also ordered the sack of all political appointees from Amasiri Community, from members of management committees up to commissioners serving in his administration.
“For the time being, all these structures are dissolved. We will do more, and we will show everyone why we are a government,” Nwifuru declared.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring permanent peace in Edda LGA and promised that by next year, the community would witness tangible improvements resulting from government intervention.
Credit: The Nation
