Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has ordered the immediate removal of all government appointees from Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, dissolved the leadership of the community’s development union, and relieved all village heads of their positions.
The governor also withdrew the traditional ruler’s certificate of office.
The decisive measures followed a brutal assault on Okporojo Community in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area, where four persons were reportedly killed and beheaded, with their heads carted away by attackers.
Governor Nwifuru announced the sweeping actions on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo, where he addressed residents, community leaders, security personnel, and government officials.
Visibly angered by the incident, the governor described the killings as shocking and deeply disturbing, saying he never imagined such extreme violence could occur within the state.
“So on this note, for the time being, the development union executive and all of the villages in Amasiri communities are hereby dissolved. The traditional ruler certificate is thereby withdrawn, and all the government appointees from Amasiri are thereby sacked,” the governor said.
“All the government appointees from the management committee down to the commissioner, anyone from Amasiri, are hereby sacked. All the village heads in all Amasiri villages in all the autonomous communities are hereby removed.
“For the time being, we will do more. And we will show everybody why we’re government”, he added.
Governor Nwifuru assured the people of the affected community that those responsible for the killings would be brought to justice, emphasizing that the victims did not die in vain.
He appealed for calm and urged residents to embrace peace, warning that reprisal attacks would only deepen the crisis.
According to him, the government’s response would be firm and decisive but carefully measured to avoid further escalation of violence.
The governor disclosed that the dispute between the communities had dragged on for years despite several reconciliation attempts, including agreed boundary settlements, lamenting that such agreements were repeatedly violated.
He explained that his visit was meant to send a clear message that the state government would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for constituted authority.
Addressing the role of Amasiri community in the conflict, Nwifuru issued a strong warning, stressing that violence could never provide a lasting solution.
He cautioned that the situation was rapidly approaching a dangerous point if provocations continued unchecked.
“My message to the people of Amasiri is to have a rethink because violence will never lead them anywhere. I also heard that the Akpoha community blocked their road because the Amasiri people are coming to attack them. And I say, look, it has already gotten to the point of no return.
“So Amasiri should be careful of their actions. We love them. We adore them. We believe that they have men who still have character. I still believe in God and still worship God,” Nwifuru stated.
As part of immediate steps, the governor formally announced the dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive leadership.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to restore lasting peace in Edda and assured residents that tangible results from government intervention would be evident by next year.
“I am particularly very saddened. I repent of this kind of development. I’ve never in my whole life expected this kind of development.
“It’s quite unfortunate. But If a careful leader, you speak less when you are very angry. And at this very moment I will speak less. But I want to assure the people of Okporojo autonomous community.
“The government of Ebonyi State will definitely show to the perpetrators what made them government, and you see it happen. I promise you, the lives lost will never be in vain by the special grace of God.
“I am seeking words to use at this moment, so that I will not escalate the war. But I plead with all of you to maintain peace. At the end of the day, those that started the war will regret it,” he said.
Continuing, the governor declared, “By the end of the work today, by the special grace of God, you shall see the outcome of it. And I promise you,as far as I’m your governor, this kind of attitude, this kind of rascality will never happen to you again in Jesus name.
“The chairman of Afikpo is here. He’s known for his doggedness, for his peace-loving attitude, for his dispositions to obey the rule of law and for that.
“But if it is his subject who is not aware of the provisions of the law, and decides to take life at will. I said to him, ‘It’s a pity. And I know you know what I’m supposed to say, I decided to use that word. It’s a pity.
“If you see a quiet person, ordinarily don’t push him to the wall. I’ve been pushed to the wall at this moment. I’ve been pushed to the wall. I’ve been hammering on this. I’ve been discussing this with the two local government chairmen and the stakeholders.
“And on so many occasions, they disagreed and agreed to the extent of tracing the boundaries that had been agreed upon. And this matter did not start today. It has gotten to the point of return at the moment.
“I sent this message to the people of Amasiri. It’s a pity. Last time they said I’m siding with you, if you know me very well, I don’t side with anybody. I say the truth. I say it the way it is. I don’t. I am not the kind of person who believes because you have somebody, but because you know somebody, then I will not speak the truth.It is only the truth that can make you happy.
“It’s only the truth that can bring peace to your family. And that is why I always say the truth the way I see it. And ask God for forgiveness. If I ever wrong anybody.”
Among those affected by the sack is the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Amari Omaka (SAN), who hails from the area.
Governor Nwifuru directed all removed appointees to immediately return government assets in their custody, including official vehicles, to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
The Okporojo attack reportedly occurred on the afternoon of January 29, 2026, when gunmen allegedly stormed the community, setting several houses ablaze.
At least four residents were said to have been killed and beheaded, with the attackers fleeing with the severed heads.
Videos circulating on social media showed burning buildings as distressed residents appealed to the state government and security agencies for urgent intervention.
What you should know
The Ebonyi crisis highlights the state government’s hardline response to communal violence, particularly where long-standing disputes escalate into extreme brutality.
Governor Nwifuru’s decision to sack appointees, dissolve community structures, and dethrone a traditional ruler underscores his administration’s resolve to enforce accountability and deter further unrest.
The conflict, rooted in unresolved boundary issues, has persisted despite past reconciliation efforts. With security concerns mounting, the government’s actions signal a warning to all communities that violence and disregard for agreements will attract severe consequences as authorities move to restore peace and stability.
