Ebonyi governor sacks traditional rulers, aides after four deaths in land dispute

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Ebonyi governor, Francis Nwifuru on Saturday sacked political appointees and dethroned traditional rulers from Amasiri community of Afikpo Local Government Area (LGA) where a violent land dispute has claimed four lives and properties

The Amasiri traditional rulers were sacked over perceived complicity in a violent land dispute between his community and neighbouring Okporojo village, in Oso community of Edda LGA of the state.

Speaking during his visit to Okporojo community on Saturday, the Ebonyi governor said that Amasiri community had not shown enough commitment to maintain permanent peace in the area and the government had decided to bare its fangs.

“All government appointees from Amasiri from the LGA development centre–management committee members to commissioners have been sacked.

“Traditional rulers from Amasiri will have their certificates of recognition withdrawn while all town union leaderships of villages in the community, are dissolved,” he said.

The governor counseled the Amasiri people to correct the notion that he was against them, noting that he was not against anybody.

“I only say the truth and we love and adore Amasiri people.

“They should have a change of heart and I am sure that the community still has people who worship and do God’s wish,”.

He assured the people of Okporojo that the government would not abandon them as everything would be done to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“I beg the people of Okporojo to shun reprisals as they would see the immediate impact of government actions on the issue.

“I thank security agencies for their prompt response and I urge them to do more in ensuring adequate security in the area” he said.

The Chairman of Edda LGA, Chief Chima Ekuma—Nkama thanked the governor for the visit noting that it is a re-enforced the people’s belief in the government.

“The people hitherto said they have been abandoned by the government, but has presently seen that the government is with them.

“It is disappointing to see human heads severed from their bodies and we wonder what the aggressors are doing with those heads,” he said.

Mrs Joy Okoro, one of the victims, said she lost a loved one and had her house burnt during the attack.

“All we want is justice and only it, will make us believe in life again,” she said.

Nwifuru was accompanied on the visit by heads of security agencies in the state and top government officials especially from the affected LGAs.

The Ebonyi Police Command had on Friday confirmed that four persons were killed during a renewed fight over land in Oso Edda, Edda LGA of the state on Thursday.

The command said it has commenced investigation into the matter.

However, Ebonyi Commissioner for Internal Security said normalcy had returned to the area as at Friday.

“I was called by 5 p.m. on Thursday and informed that some hoodlums went into one of the villages in Oso Edda and killed four persons.

“I intervened, called the two council chairmen and we made deliberate attempt to stop it from escalating.

“I also called the Army, police and other security agencies and they all moved in there.

“As of now, everywhere is calm,” Ude said.

(NAN)