Gov Nwifuru fires political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership of Amasiri Community in Afikpo Local Government Area following a violent attack in the state.

The decision comes after an attack on Okporojo Village in Oso Edda Community, Edda Local Government Area, on Thursday, during which four people were reportedly killed.

The incident has heightened tension in the area and drawn swift action from the state government.

The attack has been linked to a long-standing boundary dispute between Okporojo Village and Amasiri Community.

Residents of Okporojo have accused people from Amasiri of carrying out the assault, which they said was connected to disagreements over land ownership.

The Ebonyi State Government also warned that it would not tolerate acts of violence or lawlessness under any guise, especially those arising from communal or boundary disputes. Residents of the affected communities have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to stabilise the area.

Houses and properties worth millions were also destroyed in the area.

The Governor announced the sweeping sanctions on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo village where he addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.

Visibly saddened by the incident, Nwifuru described the attack as “most unfortunate” and said he never expected such a level of brutality to occur in the state.

He assured the affected community that the state government would decisively deal with those responsible, stressing that the lives lost would not be in vain.

“I am very pained by this development. As a careful leader, when you are angry, you speak less. But I want to assure you that the government of Ebonyi State will show the perpetrators what it truly means to be a government,” the Governor said.

He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that retaliatory violence would only worsen the situation.

According to him, government actions would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

Nwifuru pointed out the conflict had lingered for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were not respected.

He noted that his visit was a “strong signal” that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.

While commending security agencies for their swift response, the governor disclosed that security operatives had trekked long distances to track the perpetrators and had assured him of the safety of lives and property in the area.

He pledged the full support of the state government to security agencies to restore lasting peace.

Turning to the role of Amasiri Community in the crisis, Nwifuru issued a stern warning, stating that violence would never lead to a meaningful resolution.

He cautioned that the situation was fast approaching “a point of no return” if provocations continued.

He announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members.

He also ordered the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate and the removal of all village heads in Amasiri autonomous community.

He also ordered the sack of all political appointees from Amasiri Community, from members of management committees up to commissioners serving in his administration.

“For the time being, all these structures are dissolved. We will do more, and we will show everyone why we are a government,” Nwifuru declared.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring permanent peace in Edda LGA and promised that by next year, the community would witness tangible improvements resulting from government intervention.

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