Ebonyi State
Many Feared Dead in Ebonyi Attack as Gov Nwifuru Sacks Commissioner, Dethrones Monarch
Many residents are feared dead while several others were abducted following a violent attack on Okporojo community in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to local sources, the attackers stormed the community unexpectedly, setting several houses ablaze and causing residents to flee for safety. A number of villagers were reportedly taken away by the assailants during the incident.
Videos circulating on social media showed burning homes and distressed residents calling on the Ebonyi State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently.
The attack has not been officially linked to any group. However, it is believed to be connected to a long-standing boundary dispute involving neighbouring communities.
Reacting swiftly, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Saturday announced the immediate sack of all political appointees from Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, following allegations that suspected warlords from the area were involved in the attack.
Those affected include the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Amari Omaka, other government appointees, management committee members, traditional rulers, town union presidents, and village heads from Amasiri.
Governor Nwifuru made the announcement during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo village, where he condemned the violence and described it as a tragic escalation of a protracted boundary dispute that had previously undergone reconciliation efforts.
“The boundaries have been agreed. This matter did not start today. Unfortunately, reconciliation has not been taken seriously by the communities,” the governor said.
As part of measures to restore peace, the governor announced the dissolution of the Amasiri Development Union executive, withdrawal of the certificate of recognition of the traditional ruler of Amasiri, and the removal of all village heads across Amasiri autonomous communities. He noted that the actions were temporary but necessary to prevent further violence.
“These actions are for the time being. The government will take further steps to show everybody why we are the government,” Nwifuru stated.
Addressing residents of Okporojo, the governor urged calm and restraint, assuring them of the government’s commitment to lasting peace and security.
“What you need immediately is not just support, but permanent peace, and that peace will definitely come,” he assured.
Governor Nwifuru also expressed concern over the level of destruction in the community and pledged to return within one year to ensure tangible improvements in security and development.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ebonyi State Police Command and the state government had yet to issue an official statement detailing arrests or casualties.
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