Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has dismissed all government appointees from Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, in response to the brutal killings of four residents from Okporojo village in Oso Edda community, Edda Local Government Area.

Those affected include the State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka, other commissioners, management committee members, traditional rulers, town union presidents, and village heads from Amasiri.

The governor made the announcement during an on-the-spot visit to Okporojo village, where suspected Amasiri warlords allegedly killed, beheaded, abducted, and burned homes in a renewed attack.

As part of decisive measures to restore peace, Nwifuru also dissolved the Amasiri Development Union executive, withdrew recognition of the Amasiri traditional ruler, removed all village heads across Amasiri, and terminated all government appointees from the area.

Describing the incident as a tragic escalation of a longstanding boundary dispute, the governor noted that previous reconciliation efforts had failed due to a lack of genuine commitment from the communities involved.

Addressing residents of Okporojo, Nwifuru urged calm, assuring them of the government’s unwavering support. “What you need immediately is not just support, but permanent peace, and that peace will definitely come,” he said.

The governor expressed concern over the destruction in the community, emphasizing that the burnt homes and poor living conditions reflected years of neglect and insecurity. He promised to return within a year to demonstrate measurable improvements in security and development.

Nwifuru commended security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the NSCDC, for their efforts in tracking down the attackers, noting that some operatives trekked up to nine kilometers through difficult terrain.

While emphasizing that his administration does not take sides in communal conflicts, the governor warned the Amasiri community to reconsider its actions, insisting that violence would only worsen their challenges.

“Violence will never lead anyone anywhere. It is only the truth that can bring peace,” he said. Nwifuru urged Amasiri residents to rethink their actions and warned of further consequences if violence continues.

“All government appointees from Amasiri, from management committee members to commissioners, are hereby sacked. All village heads are removed, and the development union executive is dissolved,” the governor declared.