Ebonyi governor removes traditional rulers, sacks commissioner over killings

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has taken sweeping punitive measures against political and traditional institutions in the Amasiri clan of Afikpo Local Government Area, following a brutal attack that left four residents of Okporojo community in Oso Edda dead.

During a visit to the affected area on Saturday, the governor ordered the withdrawal of certificates of office from traditional rulers in Amasiri, removed all village heads, and dissolved the Amasiri Town Development Union and its leadership. He also dismissed all political appointees from the community, including the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka.

The decisive action comes in response to an incident in which assailants, allegedly from the Amasiri clan, attacked Okporojo community, beheaded four individuals and fled with their severed heads.

Governor Nwifuru, who addressed residents, security officials and community leaders during an on-the-spot assessment of the violence, described the killings as “most unfortunate” and incompatible with the values of Ebonyi State.

He warned against reprisals, urging affected communities to exercise restraint while assuring them that the state government would bring those responsible to justice.

According to the governor, the crisis had persisted for years despite repeated peace efforts, including boundary demarcations and reconciliation meetings, which he said were continually breached.

He described his visit as a clear message that lawlessness and disregard for constituted authority would no longer be tolerated, cautioning that continued provocation could push the situation beyond control.

Addressing the Amasiri community directly, Nwifuru stressed that violence could never provide a solution and warned that the conflict was nearing “a point of no return”.

Reaffirming his administration’s resolve to restore peace in Edda Local Government Area, the governor pledged that government intervention would begin to yield visible improvements in the community by next year.

Expressing deep personal distress over the killings, Nwifuru said:

“I am particularly very saddened. I repent of this kind of development. I have never in my whole life expected this kind of development. It is quite unfortunate. But as a careful leader, you speak less when you are very angry, and at this moment I will speak less.

“I want to assure the people of Okporojo autonomous community that the government of Ebonyi State will definitely show the perpetrators what it means to challenge government authority. I promise you, the lives lost will never be in vain by the special grace of God.

“I am seeking the right words at this moment so that I do not escalate the crisis, but I plead with all of you to maintain peace. At the end of the day, those who started this violence will regret it. My visit here today will leave a very bold mark.

“By the end of today, you will see the outcome of this visit. And I promise you, as long as I remain your governor, this kind of rascality will never happen again.”

He also criticised the breakdown of local control, despite the presence of council leadership in the area, saying:

“The Chairman of Afikpo is here. He is known for his doggedness, peace-loving nature and respect for the rule of law. But if his subjects decide to take lives at will, it is a pity.”

The governor said the crisis had escalated despite several interventions by the state:

“If you see a quiet person, do not push him to the wall. I have been pushed to the wall. This matter did not start today. We have held several meetings, traced boundaries and reached agreements. But it has now reached a critical point.

“My message to the people of Amasiri is to rethink their actions. Violence will never lead them anywhere. I have also heard that Akpoha community blocked their road because they feared an attack. This shows how far things have gone.”

Announcing the sanctions, Nwifuru declared:

“On this note, for now, the development union executives and all village leadership structures in Amasiri are hereby dissolved. The traditional ruler’s certificate is withdrawn. All government appointees from Amasiri, from management committee members to commissioners, are hereby sacked. All village heads in Amasiri autonomous communities are removed. We will do more, and we will show everyone why we are government.”