By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, Saturday January 31, 2026, ordered the termination of the appointment of Government appointees including Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Special Assistants, from Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Council of the State.
The Governor also directed the immediate withdrawal of certificates of authority from all the Traditional Rulers, Village Heads and other Leaders of the community over their failure to nip in the bud the clashes which has seriously embarrassed the State Government.
This is as the Governor appealed to the Okporojor community not to resort to self -help but to trust the State Government to rise to the occasion.
The Source reports that Governor Nwifuru’s action is coming against the backdrop of the communal clash between Amasiri and Okporojor communities which left four persons beheaded, and several homes razed.
According to local witness accounts, some armed hoodlums from Amasiri Community had, late Thursday afternoon, invaded Okporojor in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of the State shooting indiscriminately, and setting homes on fire.
Apart from the four persons said to have been beheaded, several other members of the Okporojor community, including women and children were also said to have been abducted by the invading local fighters from Amasiri.
Many other residents in their attempts to escape the onslaught, were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The attack, according to locals, was in connection with a long-standing communal disagreement over disputed border area between the two communities.
According to local sources, the two warring communities have been laying claims to the disputed land, with past efforts at amicably resolving the rift ending in futility.
Governor Nwifuru who announced the sweeping disciplinary measures against Amasiri-born Government appointees and traditional rulers during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the carnage on Saturday, similarly sacked all town Union Executives, and development centre coordinators, and management members from Amasiri Community as a punishment for their alleged complicity in the gruesome and dastardly attack on Okporojor community.
Addressing thousands of displaced residents of Okporojor, the Ebonyi State Governor affirmed the unflinching commitment of the Government to bringing the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice.
“I am saddened and disappointed over the recent developments in Okporojor community. However, the assurance I am giving to the Okporojor leaders and citizens is that the Government will arrest the perpetrators of the unrest.
“The Government of Ebonyi State will definitely prove to those behind this evil act that they can not got scot-free. I promise you, we as a Government, will not allow this wicked deed to go unpunished.
“But I am pleading with you to remain calm and peaceful and avoid anything that can escalate the problem. Avoid the temptation of engaging in reprisal attacks.
“My visit today is a clear testimonial to our readiness to get to the root of this dastardly act. My message to the people of Amasiri is for them to have a rethink because violence will never lead them to anywhere.
“I heard also that Akpoha community have blocked their road because of the alleged belligerent posture of Amasiri Community.
“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 that still have character.
“So, on this note, for the time being, the Development Union Executives and all the Village Heads in Amasiri Community are hereby dissolved.
” The Traditional Rulers Certificates are hereby withdrawn. All the Government appointees from Amasiri are hereby sacked.
“All the Government appointees from the Management Committee to Commissioners are hereby sacked”, Gov Nwifuru stated.
The Source further reports that Governor Nwifuru had on Friday January 30, 2026 ordered a comprehensive inquest into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
The Governor, while vehemently condemning the development, described the attendant human fatalities and wanton destruction of properties as not only barbaric, but a gross violation of the sanctity of human life.
He informed that the State Government will work in concert with security agencies and other relevant authorities to to track down the masterminds of the devilish act.
“I received with shock the news of the attack on Oso Edda which claimed lives, and led to the destruction of properties.
“This act of callousness is a direct affront to our resolve to restore lasting peace in our Communities,and it will not be tolerated.
“As a Government, the security of our people and their property is paramount and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is served”, the Governor assured.
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