Ebonyi Governor,Francis Nwifuru ,has ordered the removal of all political appointees, traditional rulers, village heads and town union executives from Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area following a deadly attack in neighbouring Edda LGA.
The decision came after an assault on Okporojo in Oso Edda Community on Thursday, during which four persons were reportedly killed and beheaded.
Governor Nwifuru announced the sweeping measures on Saturday during an assessment visit to the affected community, where he met with residents, community leaders, security personnel and government officials.
Visibly saddened by the incident, Gov. Nwifuru described the incident as shocking and deeply distressing, the governor said the level of violence was unexpected and unacceptable. He assured the people that the state government would take decisive action to ensure justice for the victims and prevent a recurrence.
According to him, all leadership and administrative structures in Amasiri have been dismantled with immediate effect. These include the dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members, the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate, the removal of village heads, and the sack of all political appointees from the community, ranging from management committee members to commissioners.
“For the time being, all these structures have been dissolved,” the governor said, stressing that government actions would demonstrate its resolve to uphold law and order.
He urged residents to remain calm and refrain from reprisal attacks, warning that further violence would only worsen the situation. He explained that while government response would be firm, it would be aimed at preventing escalation and restoring peace.
The governor revealed that the conflict had persisted for several years despite various reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, which he said were repeatedly violated. He described his visit as a clear signal that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness.
Commending security agencies for their prompt response, the governor disclosed that security operatives had covered difficult terrain in pursuit of the perpetrators and had given assurances of improved safety in the area. He pledged continued government support to security agencies to achieve lasting peace.
He also cautioned Amasiri community against further provocation, warning that continued violence could push the situation beyond control. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peace in Edda Local Government Area, the governor promised that meaningful improvements would be evident by next year as a result of government intervention.
The visit ended with renewed appeals for restraint, reconciliation and cooperation with security agencies as efforts intensify to prevent further loss of lives.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that two of the four victims killed during the attack were elderly women aged over 70 years.
