The Ebonyi government ordered the demolition of shrines and deities

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has ordered the destruction of all shrines and deities in Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area due to the recent violent conflict.

He gave the order on Friday in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor following an expanded state security meeting on Thursday.

Amasiri was recently embroiled in a fresh land dispute with his neighbour, Okporojo, in Oso community in Edda Local Government Area.

The dispute caused several deaths and the destruction of several properties.

The killings took on gruesome dimensions with the assailants beheading four victims and fleeing with their severed heads.

Nwifuru has imposed sanctions on Amasiri, including the removal of his political appointees, the removal of his traditional ruler from office, the imposition of a curfew, and the closure of schools, among others.

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The governor has emphasized in several forums that punitive measures must continue against the community until the severed heads are returned and the perpetrators of these dastardly acts are arrested.

Nwifuru directed that Amasiri stakeholders show government and security agencies the location of the shrine and deity.

“The state government has constituted a 19-member committee to demarcate the disputed border between Okporojo and Amasiri communities.

“The demarcation is wise because both parties have signed an agreement regarding this matter.

“The committee is headed by the State Commissioner for Boundary and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi, and includes the state surveyor general, land and survey commissioner among others,” he said.

He further stated that the curfew imposed on the Amasiri community remains in effect until the severed head of the Okporojo murder victim is recovered.”