The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has enacted a series of stringent sanctions against the leadership and political appointees of the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area. The measures follow a harrowing assault on Okporojo village in Oso Edda, which resulted in the deaths of four residents and widespread devastation.
The Governor announced these executive orders on Saturday during an emergency visit to the affected village. The site was the scene of a brutal incursion allegedly perpetrated by suspected warlords from the neighbouring Amasiri community. Reports indicate that the victims were beheaded, several dwellings were razed, and a number of residents were forcibly abducted.
Addressing the survivors amidst the ruins of burnt homes, Governor Nwifuru characterised the violence as a catastrophic escalation of a protracted boundary dispute. He noted with profound regret that previous attempts at mediation had been undermined by a lack of “genuine commitment” from the involved parties.
“The boundaries have been agreed. This matter did not start today,” the Governor remarked. “Unfortunately, reconciliation has not been taken seriously by the communities.”
In an unprecedented move to assert state authority and stem further bloodshed, the Governor ordered the immediate implementation of the following measures:
Executive Dissolution: The Amasiri Development Union executive has been dissolved with immediate effect.
Dethronement: The certificate of recognition for the Traditional Ruler of Amasiri has been withdrawn.
Removal of Local Leadership: All village heads within the Amasiri autonomous communities have been removed from office.
Dismissal of Appointees: All government officials hailing from the area, including the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Amari Omaka, and various management committee members, have been relieved of their duties.
The Governor clarified that while these actions are currently “temporary,” they serve as a stark reminder of the government’s mandate to maintain public order.
Governor Nwifuru expressed visible distress at the destitution and insecurity within Okporojo village, pledging to return within twelve months to ensure that both security and developmental standards have been elevated. He urged the residents to exercise restraint, promising that the state would not only offer support but would secure a “lasting peace.”
He also extended his commendation to the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. He praised the “extraordinary and noble efforts” of the operatives who traversed nearly ten kilometres of hostile terrain on foot to intercept the attackers.
The Governor concluded with a stern warning to the Amasiri community, cautioning that provocations could lead to an irreversible crisis. He noted with concern that the neighbouring Akpoha community had already begun blockading major thoroughfares in anticipation of further hostilities.
“Violence will never lead anyone anywhere. Only the truth can bring peace,” Nwifuru stated. “We love all our people, but we will not tolerate actions that endanger the public peace.”
