Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has explained the reasons for the dissolution of the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri clan in Afikpo Local Government Area, following the killing of three persons over a communal land dispute.
Nwifuru sacked the officials on Sunday, during a visit to Okporojo village in the Oso Edda community, where the victims were reportedly beheaded, and another died from injuries sustained during the attack.
The attack was allegedly carried out by persons from the Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo LGA.
Addressing residents, Nwifuru ordered the removal of all traditional rulers in Amasiri and directed that their staff of office be retrieved. He also sacked all political appointees from the clan, including commissioners and other government officials.
The governor said he had been pushed to the wall after several attempts by the state government to mediate the conflict failed.
“I am deeply saddened by this development. I never expected this kind of incident. It is quite unfortunate,” Nwifuru said.
“As a leader, when you are very angry, you speak less. But I want to assure the people of the Okporojo autonomous community that the government of Ebonyi State will show the perpetrators what it means to challenge government authority. The lives lost will not be in vain.”
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He urged residents to remain calm, warning that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.
“My visit here today will leave a very bold mark. By the end of today, you will see the outcome. As long as I remain governor, this kind of rascality will not happen again,” he said.
Nwifuru also expressed concern that the crisis had spread fear to neighbouring communities, noting reports that the Akpoha community blocked its roads over fears of a possible attack.
“This matter did not start today. We have held several meetings, traced boundaries, and reached agreements, but it has now reached a critical point,” he added.
“On this note, for now, the development union executives and all village leadership structures in Amasiri are hereby dissolved. The traditional ruler’s certificate is withdrawn. All government appointees from Amasiri, from management committee members to commissioners, are hereby sacked.
“All village heads in Amasiri autonomous communities are removed. We will do more, and we will show everyone why we are the government.”
