By Amara Agha, Abakaliki
Shock and grief hung heavily over Abakaliki on Monday night as the Ebonyi State Government issued a stern 72-hour ultimatum to the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area, following a wave of brutal attacks that have shaken border communities in the state’s south.
The directive, announced by Governor Francis Nwifuru after an expanded stakeholders’ meeting at the Ochudo Centenary City New Government House, demands the production of the severed heads of four victims allegedly killed during the violence, as well as the safe return of four persons still missing.
The meeting, which stretched for more than eight hours, brought together the state’s founding fathers, members of the Ebonyi Elders Council, security chiefs, top government officials, and representatives of the affected communities. It was convened against the backdrop of escalating tension between communities in Edda Local Government Area and Afikpo, following deadly attacks on Okporojo Oso Edda village and Akpoha.
Briefing journalists after the closed-door session, Governor Nwifuru disclosed that security investigations confirmed that four persons were killed during the attack on Okporojo Oso Edda. According to him, three of the victims were beheaded, while one body was recovered intact. Four others were abducted and remain unaccounted for.
In a grim revelation that underscored the brutality of the attacks, the governor also confirmed the recovery of the body of late Augustine, who was abducted from Akpoha on January 26. His head, he said, was severed.
Despite the horror of the discoveries, Governor Nwifuru said intelligence reports suggested that the abducted persons may still be alive. He insisted that their safe return was non-negotiable.
“They must be returned safely,” the governor said, warning that the state would not shy away from enforcing the rule of law if the ultimatum was ignored.
Security reports presented at the meeting further deepened concerns. According to the governor, military authorities confirmed the discovery of shallow graves in the affected areas — a finding he described as “deeply disturbing” and a direct threat to peace and public safety in Ebonyi State.
The ultimatum, government officials explained, is part of a broader effort to halt further bloodshed and restore calm in a region where communal tensions have repeatedly flared over land and boundary disputes.
Governor Nwifuru cautioned residents against protests or actions capable of escalating tensions, noting that while some incidents could ordinarily warrant arrests, the government was exercising restraint in the interest of peace.
“We are committed to restoring normalcy, protecting innocent lives, and ensuring that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice,” he said.
Backing the government’s stance, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, announced that existing sanctions imposed on Amasiri would remain in force until all government conditions were met. She disclosed that joint security operations involving the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were ongoing to stabilize the area and locate missing persons.
Beyond security measures, the meeting also reflected a strong push for dialogue and community responsibility. Speaking for the Ebonyi State Founding Fathers, High Chief Hyacinth Ikpor expressed full support for the government’s intervention, describing it as necessary to avert further violence.
Similarly, Chairman of the Ebonyi Elders Council, Engr. Ben Okah, emphasized that unity, dialogue, and respect for lawful authority were essential to resolving the crisis.
Representing the Amasiri community, Bishop Kenneth Oko Daniels assured the state government of his people’s willingness to comply with the directives and work towards peace. On the other side, the Edda Clan, through Chief George Ukpai, welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and reassuring.
In a significant gesture, elders from Okporojo — one of the 72 villages in the affected area — publicly ruled out reprisals and pledged full cooperation with security agencies.
As the 72-hour deadline ticks away, communities across Ebonyi are watching closely, hoping that dialogue, accountability, and decisive action will succeed where violence has only deepened wounds — and that peace will finally return to a region yearning for normalcy.
