Ebonyi Governor Sacks Commissioner, Appointees, Deposes Monarch Over Community Beheadings
Ebonyi Governor Sacks Commissioner, Appointees, Deposes Monarch Over Community Beheadings
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has taken drastic measures following a violent attack on the Okporojo community in Edda Local Government Area.
In response to the brutal killing and beheading of four individuals, the governor announced the immediate dissolution of the entire political and traditional leadership structure in the Amasiri clan of Afikpo Local Government Area.
The governor’s actions included the dismissal of the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka, and the removal of all political appointees from the Amasiri community.
This sweeping directive extends from members of local management committees up to high-ranking state officials serving in his administration.
In addition to the political shake-up, Governor Nwifuru ordered the withdrawal of the staff of office from traditional rulers in the area. The Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members were also dissolved, and the certificates of recognition for the community’s village heads were revoked.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the affected community on Saturday, the governor condemned the “barbaric incident” and expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives. He noted that the conflict had persisted for years despite numerous reconciliation efforts and boundary agreements that were ultimately disregarded.
Warning against further lawlessness, the governor stated that his administration would no longer tolerate the disregard for the rule of law.
He assured the residents that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and urged the community to remain calm to prevent the situation from escalating into further violence.
While addressing the grieving residents and security agencies, Governor Nwifuru emphasized his commitment to restoring permanent peace.
He noted that the state government’s response would be firm, signaling that the era of ignoring peace agreements in the state is over.
Reflecting on the gravity of the tragedy, the governor said, “I am particularly very saddened. I have never in my whole life expected this kind of development. It’s quite unfortunate.
But as a careful leader, you speak less when you are very angry, and at this very moment, I will speak less. But I want to assure the people of Okporojo autonomous community.
The government of Ebonyi State will definitely show the perpetrators. I promise you, the lives lost will never be in vain by the special grace of God.”
