Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has dismissed all government appointees from the Amasiri community, dissolved the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive, removed all village heads, and dethroned the community’s traditional ruler with immediate effect.
The sweeping sanctions followed a violent attack on the Okporojo Community in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area, where at least four persons were killed during an assault by unidentified gunmen.
Governor Nwifuru announced the decisions on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo, where he met residents, community leaders, security agencies, and government officials.
The attack reportedly occurred on the afternoon of January 29, 2026, when armed assailants invaded the community and set several houses ablaze.
Visibly angry over the incident, the governor described the killings as unfortunate and unacceptable, stressing that such brutality had no place in Ebonyi State.
“As of now, the development union executive and all village leadership structures in Amasiri are dissolved.
“The certificate of the traditional ruler is withdrawn, and all government appointees from Amasiri are hereby sacked,” Nwifuru declared.
He added that the sanctions affected everyone, from members of management committees to community commissioners, noting that all village heads across Amasiri autonomous communities had also been removed.
The governor assured the people of Okporojo that the state government would decisively deal with those responsible for the attack, emphasizing that the lives lost would not be in vain.
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliation, warning that further violence would only worsen the crisis.
Nwifuru disclosed that the conflict had persisted for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were repeatedly violated.
He said his visit signaled the government’s resolve to end lawlessness and enforce the rule of law.
Addressing the role of Amasiri in the crisis, the governor issued a stern warning, saying violence could never bring a lasting solution.
He cautioned that the situation was nearing a point of no return if provocations continued and urged community members to reconsider their actions.
Consequently, Nwifuru reaffirmed the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its leadership, while pledging that his administration would restore lasting peace in Edda.
He promised that government intervention would yield visible improvements in the area by next year.
Among those affected by the sack is the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka (SAN).
The Governor directed all dismissed appointees to immediately hand over government property in their possession, including official vehicles, to the Secretary of the State Government.
Meanwhile, videos circulating online from the aftermath of the attack showed houses on fire, as residents appealed to the state government and security agencies for urgent intervention.
(Channels Tv)
