The Ebonyi State Government has directed that all shrines and deities in Amasiri community, located in Afikpo Local Government Area, be destroyed following the community’s alleged involvement in a recent violent clash.
The directive was issued by the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, in a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, after an enlarged state security meeting held on Thursday.
PlatinumPost reports that Amasiri was recently embroiled in a renewed land dispute with neighbouring Okporojo in Oso community, Edda Local Government Area.
The conflict resulted in several deaths and widespread destruction of property.
The violence took a gruesome turn when attackers beheaded four victims and fled with the severed heads.
Earlier, Nwifuru had imposed sanctions on Amasiri community, including the removal of its political appointees, the dethronement of its traditional rulers, the imposition of a curfew, and the closure of schools, among other measures.
The governor has repeatedly stated at various fora that the punitive actions against the community would remain until the severed heads are returned and those responsible for the killings are apprehended.
He also directed leaders and stakeholders of Amasiri to identify the locations of all shrines and deities to the government and security agencies.
“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.
He said that the curfew imposed on Amasiri community remains in force until the severed heads of the victims of Okporojo killings were recovered,” he said.
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