Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has taken sweeping action in response to a deadly communal clash in the state, dissolving the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri clan in Afikpo Local Government Area.
The decision follows the killing of three people, with another victim later dying from injuries sustained during an attack on Okporojo village in the Oso Edda community. The violence is linked to a long-running communal land dispute, with the attack allegedly carried out by individuals from the Ndukwe community in Amasiri.
During a tense visit to the affected community on Sunday, Nwifuru ordered the immediate removal of all traditional rulers in Amasiri, directing that their staff of office be retrieved. He also sacked all political appointees from the clan, including commissioners and other government officials.
The governor said repeated efforts by the state government to resolve the conflict peacefully had failed, leaving him with no option but decisive action.
“I am deeply saddened by this development. I never expected this kind of incident. It is quite unfortunate,” Nwifuru said.
He assured residents that those responsible for the violence would face justice, stressing that the government would not tolerate lawlessness.
“The government of Ebonyi State will show the perpetrators what it means to challenge government authority. The lives lost will not be in vain,” he added.
Nwifuru urged residents to remain calm, warning that further violence would be met with firm consequences. He also expressed concern over the spread of fear to neighbouring communities, citing reports that Akpoha community blocked its roads over fears of possible attacks.
According to the governor, boundary demarcations and peace meetings had been held in the past, but the crisis had now escalated beyond acceptable limits.
“For now, the development union executives and all village leadership structures in Amasiri are dissolved. All village heads are removed, and all government appointees from the clan are sacked,” he declared.
The governor vowed that the state would take further steps to restore peace and prevent a repeat of the violence.
