Governor Nwifuru Sacks all Appointees, Dethrones Monarch After Deadly Community Attack

Ebonyi Governor Nwifuru Sacks Appointees, Dethrones Monarch After Deadly Community Attack

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has dismissed all political appointees, dissolved community leadership structures, and removed village heads in Amasiri community, Afikpo Local Government Area, following a violent attack in neighbouring Okporojo community, Oso Edda, that left at least four people dead.

The governor also withdrew the certificate of the traditional ruler of Amasiri, effectively dethroning him, as part of sweeping sanctions announced in response to the crisis.

 

Ejes Gist News reports that the decisive actions were declared on Saturday when Nwifuru paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo community, where armed assailants reportedly invaded on January 29, 2026, killing residents and setting houses ablaze.

Deadly Attack Triggers Government Action

The Okporojo incident was described by security sources as a coordinated assault carried out by unidentified gunmen. Witness accounts indicated that several homes were torched, while four victims were allegedly beheaded and their heads taken away.

 

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The attack heightened long-standing tensions between communities in Edda and Afikpo local government areas, prompting urgent government intervention.

Visibly angered during his address to residents, community leaders, and security officials, Governor Nwifuru condemned the killings as brutal and unacceptable.

Governor Announces Sweeping Sanctions

In a firm response, the governor announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and all its executives.

“All government appointees from Amasiri, from the management committee down to the commissioner, are hereby sacked,” Nwifuru declared.

“All the village heads in all Amasiri villages in the autonomous communities are hereby removed. The traditional ruler certificate is withdrawn. For the time being, we will do more, and we will show everybody why we are government,” he added.

Among those affected by the directive is the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Amari Omaka (SAN), who hails from the area.

The governor ordered all dismissed officials to immediately return government properties, including official vehicles, to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Warning Against Retaliatory Violence

Addressing the residents of Okporojo, Nwifuru assured them that the state government would pursue justice for the victims and ensure the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.

He cautioned against reprisal attacks, warning that further violence would only deepen the crisis.

“I plead with all of you to maintain peace. At the end of the day, those that started the war will regret it,” the governor stated.

He emphasized that government actions would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation.

Long-Standing Dispute

Governor Nwifuru disclosed that the conflict between the communities had persisted for years despite several reconciliation efforts.

According to him, boundary agreements brokered in the past were not respected, allowing tensions to fester.

He said his visit to the troubled area was meant to send a strong signal that lawlessness and disregard for agreements would no longer be tolerated.

“This matter did not start today. We have held meetings, traced boundaries, and reached agreements. It is unfortunate that such understandings were not honoured,” he noted.

Stern Message to Amasiri Community

The governor directed a pointed warning to leaders and residents of Amasiri, urging them to abandon violence and embrace dialogue.

“My message to the people of Amasiri is to have a rethink because violence will never lead them anywhere,” he said.

Nwifuru further disclosed reports that tensions were spreading to other communities, including Akpoha, where residents had reportedly blocked roads in fear of possible attacks.

He warned that continued provocations could push the situation beyond control.

Commitment to Restoring Peace

Despite the severity of the crisis, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to restore lasting peace in the affected areas.

He promised that government intervention would bring tangible improvements to Okporojo and other communities impacted by the violence.

 

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“I want to assure the people of Okporojo autonomous community that the government of Ebonyi State will show the perpetrators what made them government. The lives lost will never be in vain,” Nwifuru stated.

Security Response Intensifies

Security agencies present at the scene assured residents that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Authorities increased patrols in the area to prevent further outbreaks of violence.

In a viral video circulating online after the incident, burning buildings and distressed residents were seen appealing for urgent government and security intervention.

 

 

The Ebonyi State Government has maintained that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.