The Ebonyi State Government has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the people of Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area to produce the heads of the four people allegedly beheaded and return four others, abducted during recent violent attacks against Okporojo Oso Edda village in Edda Local Government Area, linked to a protracted land dispute.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the decision on Monday night while briefing newsmen in his office at Centenary City, Abakaliki, after an expanded State Security Council meeting attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, elders, women leaders, and community stakeholders from the affected areas.
The Governor said the meeting was convened at the instance of the state government and involved the Commissioner of Police, commanders of the military, the DSS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security formations.
According to him, “This meeting was called by the heads of the security agencies to address the incessant killings in Amasiri and to brief stakeholders on the actions taken so far to stabilise the area and protect lives and property”, he said
Nwifuru disclosed that investigations confirmed that four persons were killed, three of whom were beheaded, while another victim was later discovered in a shallow grave, with the head yet to be recovered.
“The heads we are demanding to be returned are four. Four people were killed, and four others were abducted. We still believe those abducted are alive, and that is why we insist they must be returned alive”, he stated
The governor also confirmed reports by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations regarding the discovery of shallow graves containing beheaded bodies, describing the findings as “shocking”.
“What the army spokesperson said is correct. Bodies were found tied, beheaded and buried in shallow graves. Some of the victims have not yet been identified, and we believe there may be more, including women and children”, he added.
Nwifuru added that while discussions were held on possible military options, the immediate focus of the government remained on ending the killings and restoring peace, warning that stringent sanctions would be imposed if the Amasiri community failed to comply with the ultimatum.
“If these demands are not met within 72 hours, tougher sanctions will be applied to him”, he warned.
Governor Nwifuru also addressed the issue of protests, warning that demonstrations were not permitted under the law in the situations involving land disputes and breakdown of order.
“Ordinarily, such actions would attract arrests because they amount to taking the law into one’s hands. However, we are exercising restraint and patience, considering the circumstances.”
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, while briefing journalists, said the sanctions placed on Amasiri would remain in force until the community produces the victim’s heads, returns the missing persons, and hands over those responsible.
“Amasiri has been given three days to produce the heads of those beheaded, return the four missing persons, and fish out the perpetrators. Enforcement by the police, military, DSS, and civil defence continues until these conditions are met”, she said.
The police commissioner added that security agencies were still searching for missing persons from the neighbouring communities affected by the violence.
Speaking on behalf of the Ebonyi State Founding Fathers, High Chief Hyacinth Ikpor noted that the group had been fully involved in discussions and supported the government’s approach to resolving the crisis.
“We are here to ensure that nothing is destroyed and that peace returns. We support the actions of the government and will continue to work with security agencies to restore permanent peace in the area.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Elders Council, Engr. Ben Okah, assured the council’s support for the government’s peace efforts.
On behalf of the Amasiri community, Bishop Kenneth Oko Daniels assured the state government that his people would comply fully with all directives, expressing confidence that peace would be restored.
“We believe that with God on our side and by obeying the government’s orders, peace will return to our land”, the bishop said.
Meanwhile, Chief George Ukpai, speaking on behalf of the Edda Clan, described the government’s intervention as a welcome development and pledged the clan’s cooperation.
“Our faith, which was almost broken, has been restored. We assure the government that no one from our clan will engage in reprisals. We will cooperate fully to ensure peace”, Ukpai said.
