Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has sacked all political appointees and removed traditional and community leaders from Amasiri following a deadly communal crisis linked to a long-standing land dispute.
The unrest, which erupted late last week, stemmed from a renewed boundary and land ownership conflict between communities in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area, and Okporojo village in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area.
The clash reportedly led to the killing and beheading of several persons, while houses, farmlands and other properties were destroyed.
In a decisive move announced on Saturday, the governor ordered the immediate sack of all government appointees from Amasiri, including management committee members and commissioners.
He also directed the dethronement of all traditional rulers in the affected communities, invalidating their certificates of recognition.
Similarly, presidents of Community Development Unions (CDUs) and village heads from Amasiri were relieved of their positions with immediate effect.
The crisis is the latest escalation in a dispute that has lingered for years despite several peace and mediation efforts by government and community stakeholders. Authorities said repeated breakdowns in earlier agreements contributed to the resurgence of violence.
Governor Nwifuru, in the statement dated Saturday, January 31, 2026, said the sweeping actions were taken to enforce accountability, restore peace and prevent further bloodshed in the area.
Security agencies have since been deployed to the affected communities, while investigations into the killings and destruction of property are ongoing.
