BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Angered by the brutal killing of four residents of Okporojo village in Oso Edda community, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru has sacked all the Traditional Rulers and Village Heads in Amasiri community of Afikpo Local Government Area of the state
In moving against the community, the governor has also dissolved the Amasiri Development Union (ADU) Executive with immediate effect, withdrawn the certificate of recognition of all royal fathers, and dismissed all government appointees from the area, including Management Committee Members and Commissioners.
The list of persons affected by the sanctions include the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Amari Omaka, Town Union presidents, and village heads from Amasiri community.
Governor Nwifuru announced the sweeping decision on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment of Okporojo village where suspected Amasiri warlords allegedly launched a deadly attack that left four people beheaded, several houses burnt, and residents abducted.
The governor, who condemned the sordid and detestable violence, described the incident as a tragic escalation of a long-standing boundary dispute, noting that prior reconciliation efforts had failed due to what he called a lack of genuine commitment from the affected communities.
According to him, “The boundaries have been agreed. This matter did not start today. Unfortunately, reconciliation has not been taken seriously by the communities.”
However, the Governor while explaining that the actions are temporary, said “further steps would be taken to show everybody why we are government”
He also expressed deep concern over the destruction in the community, and the poor living condition of the people, promising to personally return within a year to oversee measurable improvements in security and development of the areas.
Governor Nwifuru praised the security agencies for their “extraordinary and noble efforts” in pursuing the attackers, even sshe acknowledged that some operatives had to trek more than nine kilometres through difficult terrain to protect lives and property within the affected communities.
The Governor, who pleaded with the Okporojo people to remain calm and show restraint, assured them of government support at all times, just as he cautioned the Amasiri community that violence would only worsen existing challenges.
With reports from neighbouring Akpoha community indicating that the major roads have been blocked due to fear of an attack, Governor Nwifuru further warned that the crisis could reach a “point of no return” if provocations continue.
He said; “Violence will never lead anyone anywhere. Only the truth can bring peace.”
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Ten Suspects for their alleged involvement in the gruesome murder of the four persons .
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Joshua Ukandu said the security tactical team deployed to the area discovered that among the four victims beheaded are three males and one female in the attack incident that occurred Thursday evening, January 29, 2026
Available information indicates that the killings arose from decades-old dispute over a specific tract of land at the boundary of Oso Edda in Edda Local Government Area and Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area.
Both communities claim ancestral ownership of the disputed piece of Land.
