Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure 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 killed.
The attack has been blamed on suspected youths from Amasiri community, with whom the Okporojo people have long been embroiled in a boundary dispute.
Several houses were razed, while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed during the violence.
Governor Nwifuru 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, the governor described the attack as “most unfortunate,” saying 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,” Nwifuru said.
He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that any 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.
The governor revealed that the conflict had lingered for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were repeatedly violated.
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, Nwifuru disclosed that 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 support of the state government to security agencies to restore lasting peace.
Turning to the role of Amasiri community in the crisis, the governor 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.
Consequently, 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 in the Amasiri autonomous community.
In addition, the governor ordered the sack of all political appointees from Amasiri community, ranging from management committee members 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 arising from government intervention.
Police arrest 10 suspects
The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested ten suspects in connection with the killing of four persons during the violent communal attack on Okporojo Village.
The attack, which occurred on January 29, 2026, allegedly involved individuals from Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area, and is believed to be linked to a long-standing land dispute between the neighbouring communities.
Police said four villagers—three men and one woman—lost their lives, while several mud houses were razed. Windows of a church building were vandalised, and harvested paddy rice destroyed during the violence.
In response, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, on January 30, 2026, visited the affected community for an on-the-spot assessment.
Upon receiving reports of the attack, she ordered the immediate deployment of tactical squads and personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
The Police Command said the deployment has restored calm and normalcy in the area.
While addressing residents of Okporojo Village, CP Uche-Anya commiserated with them over the loss of lives and destruction of property, assuring that justice would be served.
She disclosed that ten suspects had been arrested, adding that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved.
The Commissioner warned communities across the state against resorting to self-help or taking the law into their own hands, stressing that the Police would not tolerate violence arising from communal or land disputes.
She further assured residents that security presence in the area would be sustained until the situation is fully resolved.
The Youth President of Okporojo Village thanked the Police for their swift response and appealed for a permanent security presence in the community.
CP Uche-Anya assured him that a standby security arrangement had already been put in place.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Edda Local Government Area commended the Ebonyi State Government and the Nigeria Police Force for their prompt intervention.
He praised the affected community for remaining law-abiding despite provocation and assured that the state government was committed to achieving a lasting solution to the dispute.
The Ebonyi State Police Command reiterated its resolve to maintain peace and security across the state and urged residents to channel grievances through lawful means.
