NIGERIA: Ebonyi Killings: Governor Dissolves Amasiri Leadership, Sacks Commissioner

By Ameenat Hamzat, lagos, Nigeria 

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has taken sweeping disciplinary actions against political and traditional authorities in the Amasiri clan of Afikpo Local Government Area following a violent attack that left four persons dead in Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The governor ordered the removal of traditional rulers in the affected community, withdrew their staff of office, and dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure of Amasiri.

A statement on the development came on Saturday when Governor Nwifuru visited Okporojo community in Oso Edda, the scene of the attack, during an on-the-spot assessment.

The violence reportedly involved the beheading of four persons, with the assailants allegedly taking away the victims’ heads. The attackers were said to have come from the neighbouring Amasiri clan.

Addressing residents, community leaders and security agencies during the visit, the governor described the incident as “most unfortunate” and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Nwifuru said: “I am particularly very saddened. I have never in my whole life expected this kind of development. It is quite unfortunate.”

He assured the people of Okporojo that the state government would respond decisively.

He said:“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. The lives lost will never be in vain.”

As part of the sanctions, the governor announced the sack of the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka, who hails from the Amasiri community, alongside the removal of all political appointees from the area, including management committee members and commissioners.

Nwifuru also ordered the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members, the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate, and the removal of all village heads in the autonomous community.

The governor declared: “My visit here today will leave a very bold mark. By the end of today, you will see the outcome of this visit. As long as I remain your governor, this kind of rascality will never happen again.”

The governor noted that the conflict between the communities had persisted for years despite several reconciliation meetings and boundary agreements, lamenting that such agreements were repeatedly violated.

He warned residents against retaliation, stressing that further violence could push the situation to “a point of no return.”

“Violence will never lead them anywhere,” Nwifuru cautioned, urging all parties to embrace peace and allow the government to handle the matter.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Edda Local Government Area, the governor promised increased government intervention and development efforts in the affected communities, beginning next year.

He concluded by insisting that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of

law in any part of Ebonyi State.