Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area to produce the severed heads of victims allegedly killed and beheaded during recent attacks or face stiffer sanctions.
The community was also directed to release four persons abducted from Okporojo village in Edda Local Government Area.
Governor Francis Nwifuru gave the directive on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of an extended security meeting held at the New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki.
The meeting was attended by service chiefs, members of the state’s founding fathers, the Elders’ Council, leaders and stakeholders from Amasiri and Okporojo communities, as well as representatives of Afikpo and Edda local government areas.
The state government ordered the community to produce the heads of three persons reportedly killed in Okporojo, Oso Edda, whose heads were allegedly taken away by suspected Amasiri warlords.
It also confirmed that another victim, Mr Augustine Ite, from Akpoha in Afikpo Local Government Area, who was reportedly abducted in the bush, was later killed, beheaded and buried in a shallow grave in Amasiri.
The community was ordered to return his head alongside those of the Okporojo victims.
Describing the act as “sacrilegious and disheartening,” the government condemned the conduct of burials without the heads of the deceased.
Governor Nwifuru said the meeting was convened to address recurring violence linked to a protracted land dispute and to review measures already taken to stabilise the area and protect lives and property.
He disclosed that investigations confirmed that four persons were killed during the attacks in Okporojo village, while four others abducted during the violence remain missing.
The governor warned that failure to comply with the directives within the 72-hour deadline would attract stiffer sanctions against the community.
Expressing optimism that the abducted persons may still be alive, Nwifuru insisted that they must be returned unharmed.
He also confirmed military reports of the discovery of shallow graves in Amasiri community containing mutilated bodies, including those of two children, noting that most of the bodies recovered had their heads severed.
Describing the discoveries as deeply disturbing and a grave threat to peace and security in the state, the governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the rule of law and restoring normalcy.
Addressing protests and rising tensions in the affected communities, Nwifuru cautioned against actions capable of escalating the crisis and undermining ongoing peace efforts.
He said that although certain actions could ordinarily warrant arrests, the government was exercising restraint in view of the fragile situation and ongoing peace process.
The governor assured Amasiri stakeholders of adequate security to enable them to hold meetings within the community to deliberate on the recovery and return of the severed heads and the release of the abducted persons.
He expressed regret that despite a peace agreement signed by both Amasiri and Edda communities on December 9, 2025, an unprovoked attack was launched by Amasiri youths on Okporojo village on January 29.
Nwifuru noted that all land dispute issues between the two communities had been resolved by the State Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, with the government awaiting boundary demarcation before the incident occurred.
Earlier, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, said the curfew and other sanctions imposed on Amasiri community would remain in force until all conditions set by the state government are fully met.
She added that joint security operations involving the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are ongoing in the area to maintain law and order and locate missing persons.
According to her, the security operation has helped prevent reprisal attacks and a total breakdown of law and order.
Speaking on behalf of the Ebonyi State Founding Fathers, Mr Hyacinth Ikpor expressed support for the government’s intervention, noting that the group is actively involved in peace efforts and committed to restoring stability in the area.
Similarly, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Elders Council, Ben Okah, pledged the council’s cooperation, stressing the importance of dialogue and unity in resolving the conflict.
The member representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Iduma Igariwey, and the member representing Afikpo West State Constituency, Kingsley Ikoro, described the discoveries as shocking, barbaric and regrettable.
They expressed concern that such acts could still occur in the 21st century, alleging the practice of human sacrifice, and urged Amasiri stakeholders to return home and ensure the recovery of the severed heads to avert harsher sanctions.
The lawmakers also appealed to Governor Nwifuru to consider relaxing the curfew to allow children to return to school and women to resume farming activities, noting that the restrictions have affected livelihoods.
Responding on behalf of the Amasiri community, its spokesperson, Kenneth Oko Daniels, assured the state government of the community’s willingness to comply with the directives and work towards restoring peace.
He expressed optimism that calm would return through cooperation and adherence to lawful instructions.
Also speaking, the representative of the Edda Clan, George Ukpai, welcomed the government’s intervention, describing it as reassuring, and pledged that the clan would avoid reprisals while supporting peace initiatives.
The meeting, which lasted from 11:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., was attended by key stakeholders from both communities, who deliberated extensively on the security situation and pathways to lasting peace.
