A senior lawyer and human rights advocate, Agbai N. Agwu, has defended the measures taken by Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, following the killing and beheading of residents of Okporojo village in Oso Edda community, Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The violent attack, allegedly perpetrated by assailants from the Amasiri clan in neighbouring Afikpo Local Government Area, claimed four lives and led to the destruction of several houses.

In response, Governor Nwifuru ordered the closure of schools in Amasiri, imposed a 20-hour daily curfew, relieved some political appointees of their duties and dethroned certain traditional rulers in the affected communities.

While a petition authored by Maduabuchi Idam and addressed to the governor, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, criticised the actions, Agwu maintained that the governor acted within the ambit of the law to protect lives and property.

In a petition dated February 2, 2026, Agwu described the governor’s decisions as “corrective administrative measures,” insisting they did not amount to tyranny or abuse of power.

He argued that traditional rulers and political appointees serve as critical links between the government and local communities and should be held accountable when grave security breaches occur under their watch.

“When beheadings and destruction of property happen without prior intelligence reaching the state authorities, it suggests wilful negligence or possible complicity, making such officials unfit to continue in office,” Agwu stated.

The lawyer cautioned against the misuse of legal advocacy to protect individuals suspected of orchestrating communal violence. While affirming the sanctity of the right to legal representation, he warned that it should not be employed to frustrate investigations or weaken the state’s responsibility to ensure public safety.

Agwu also questioned the motives behind what he described as repeated petitions allegedly written in favour of Amasiri in the protracted Amasiri–Oso Edda conflict, describing the pattern as suspicious and potentially aimed at diverting security agencies from ongoing investigations.

He dismissed claims that traditional burial rites in Amasiri made the attack impossible, describing such arguments as illogical and a weak attempt at providing an alibi.

Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, Agwu stressed that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people, adding that the governor was constitutionally obligated to act decisively.

He urged the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff to disregard what he termed “quick-fire petitions” and to continue supporting the Ebonyi State Government in its efforts to restore peace and order in the affected communities.