Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structures of Amasiri Community in Afikpo Local Government Area.
The action followed a violent attack on Okporojo Village in Oso Edda Community, Edda Local Government Area, on Thursday, during which four persons were reportedly beheaded.
The attack was blamed on suspected assailants from Amasiri Community, with whom the Okporojo people have long been embroiled in a boundary dispute.
Several houses and properties valued at millions of naira were also destroyed during the incident.
Governor Nwifuru announced the far-reaching 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 distressed by the incident, the governor described the attack as “most unfortunate,” adding that he never anticipated such a level of brutality 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.
Nwifuru urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that any form of reprisal would only aggravate the situation.
He explained that government actions would be firm but measured, with the aim of preventing further escalation of the crisis.
The governor noted that the conflict had persisted for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such accords had been repeatedly violated.
He said his visit was intended as a “strong signal” that the state government would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.
While commending security agencies for their swift response, Nwifuru disclosed that security operatives had trekked long distances in pursuit of the perpetrators and had assured him of the safety of lives and property in the area.
He pledged the full backing of the state government to security agencies to ensure the restoration of lasting peace.
Addressing the role of Amasiri Community in the crisis, the governor issued a stern warning, stressing that violence could never provide a lasting solution.
He cautioned that the situation was nearing “a point of no return” if further provocations continued.
Nwifuru 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 within the Amasiri autonomous community.
In addition, the governor directed the dismissal of all political appointees from Amasiri Community, ranging from members of management committees 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 resolve to restore lasting peace in Edda Local Government Area and assured residents that tangible improvements would be evident by next year as a result of government intervention.
