By Chimdiogo Amuh 

ABAKALIKI — Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has dismissed all government appointees from the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, dissolved the leadership of the community’s development union, removed all village heads, and withdrawn the certificate of recognition of the traditional ruler, following a deadly attack in neighbouring Okporojo community, Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area.

The Governor announced the measures on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo, where four persons were reportedly beheaded during a violent assault carried out by unidentified armed men.

Sanctions Announced

Governor Nwifuru said the sweeping sanctions were necessary to restore peace and demonstrate the state government’s zero tolerance for communal violence.

Those affected by the decision include:

All state and local government appointees from Amasiri, including the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Amari Omaka (SAN);

All village heads across Amasiri autonomous communities;

The traditional ruler of Amasiri, whose certificate of recognition was formally withdrawn;

The Amasiri Town Development Union (ATDU) and its executive members, which were dissolved.

The Governor directed all affected appointees to immediately hand over government properties, including official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government.

Background to the Crisis

The attack on Okporojo was reported to have occurred on January 29, 2026, when armed assailants allegedly stormed the community, set houses ablaze, and killed four residents, cutting off their heads and taking them away.

Governor Nwifuru, visibly angered by the incident, described the killings as barbaric and unacceptable, stating that he never anticipated such brutality in the state.

 “For the time being, the development union executive and all village leadership structures in Amasiri are hereby dissolved. The traditional ruler’s certificate is withdrawn, and all government appointees from Amasiri are sacked,” the Governor declared.

Warning Against Further Violence

The Governor assured the people of Okporojo that the state government would deal decisively with those responsible, stressing that the lives lost would not be in vain.

He urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and avoid reprisals, warning that further provocations could escalate the crisis beyond control.

Governor Nwifuru noted that the conflict had persisted for years despite multiple reconciliation efforts, including boundary demarcations and peace agreements, which he said were repeatedly violated.

Commitment to Peace

Addressing residents, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Edda and Afikpo areas, adding that violence would never be a solution.

“Those that started this war will regret it. Government will show why it is government, but we must act in a way that will not escalate the crisis,” he said.

He added that security agencies had been directed to intensify operations in the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators.

Governor Nwifuru concluded by appealing for restraint and cooperation from all stakeholders, reiterating that the state government would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law