Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has dissolved the political and traditional leadership structures in parts of Afikpo following a deadly attack that claimed four lives in Edda Local Government Area.
The governor ordered the immediate removal of traditional rulers in the Amasiri clan of Afikpo Local Government Area and directed that their staffs of office be withdrawn. He also sacked the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka, who hails from the affected area.
The sweeping decision followed a violent incident in Okporojo, Oso Edda community, where four residents were killed during an attack by suspected assailants. The incident has reignited long-standing tensions between neighbouring communities in the area.
Governor Nwifuru issued the directives on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo, where he met with residents, community leaders, security operatives, and government officials.
Describing the incident as deeply disturbing, the governor condemned the violence and assured residents that the state government would take decisive action against those responsible. He emphasized that such acts of lawlessness would no longer be tolerated in Ebonyi State.
The governor urged community members to remain calm and avoid reprisals, warning that further violence could escalate the crisis and worsen the security situation.
According to Nwifuru, the conflict has persisted for several years despite multiple reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, which he said were repeatedly violated.
He described his visit as a clear signal of the government’s resolve to enforce the rule of law and prevent further breakdown of peace, noting that continued provocation could push the situation beyond control.
As part of immediate measures, the governor announced the dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members, the removal of all village heads in the Amasiri autonomous community, and the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate.
He further ordered the dismissal of all political appointees from the Amasiri community, ranging from management committee members to commissioners currently serving in his administration.
Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Edda Local Government Area, assuring residents that government interventions would lead to visible improvements in security and development in the coming year.
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