Gov Nwifuru orders sack of appointees, monarchs over community clash

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has removed several political appointees and traditional rulers in Amasiri clan, Afikpo Local Government Area, following a deadly attack on Okporojo community in neighbouring Edda LGA.

The governor ordered the withdrawal of the affected monarchs’ staff of office and sacked the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka, who hails from the area. He also dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure of the community.

The action followed a violent assault on Okporojo, Oso Edda, where four residents were reportedly killed and their heads taken away by attackers.

Nwifuru announced the measures on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected community, where he met residents, security agencies and local leaders.

Describing the incident as “most unfortunate” and barbaric, the governor vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice and assured residents that the state would act decisively.

He urged the people to remain calm and avoid retaliation, warning that further violence could worsen the crisis.

“I am deeply saddened by this development. The government will definitely deal with the perpetrators. The lives lost will not be in vain,” he said, stressing that his administration would act firmly to prevent an escalation.

Nwifuru noted that the conflict had persisted for years despite reconciliation efforts and boundary agreements, which he said were not respected.

As part of immediate steps, he dissolved the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executives, withdrew the traditional ruler’s certificate, removed all village heads, and directed the sack of all political appointees from the area, from management committee members to commissioners.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to restoring lasting peace in Edda LGA, promising visible improvements in the community through government intervention in the coming year.