The Ebonyi State government has mandated the destruction of all shrines and deities in Amasiri community, Afikpo Local Government Area, citing the community’s role in a recent violent conflict.
Governor Francis Nwifuru issued the directive through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, on Friday, following an enlarged state security meeting held on Thursday.
The action comes after Amasiri was involved in a renewed land dispute with neighboring Okporojo in Oso community, Edda Local Government Area, which resulted in multiple deaths and widespread property destruction.
The violence took a gruesome turn when attackers reportedly beheaded four victims and fled with the severed heads.
In response, Nwifuru imposed several sanctions on Amasiri, including the dismissal of political appointees, dethronement of traditional rulers, school closures, and curfews. The governor emphasized that punitive measures would remain in place until the severed heads are recovered and those responsible are brought to justice.
He further directed community stakeholders to cooperate with government and security agencies by revealing the locations of the shrines and deities to facilitate their demolition. “The state government has constituted a 19 – Member committee to demarcate the disputed boundary between Okporojo and Amasiri communities.
“The demarcation has become expedient since the two parties had signed an agreement to that effect.
“The committee is headed by the State Commissioner for Border and conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi and includes the surveyor general of the state; commissioner for lands and survey, among others,” he said.