The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered the destruction of shrines and deities in the Amasiri area following a series of killings linked to a dispute between neighbouring communities.
The directive was announced after an expanded security council meeting held at the Old Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Thursday. The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders from Okporojo, Amasiri, Akpoha and Afikpo.
In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, the government said all shrines and deities in the Amasiri clan must be destroyed. Local stakeholders have also been asked to assist the state government and security agencies in identifying their locations.
“The Council has directed that all the shrines and deities in Amasiri clan be destroyed, and stakeholders in the area are under obligation to show the state government and security agencies where the shrines are located,” the statement said.
The order comes after violent clashes between the Amasiri and Okporojo communities, which have reportedly resulted in several deaths.
Governor Nwifuru also announced the creation of a 19-member committee to oversee the demarcation of the disputed boundary between the two communities. The committee will be chaired by Paul Nwobashi, the state commissioner for border and conflict resolution.
“The demarcation has become necessary since both parties have signed an agreement accepting the need for a clearly defined boundary,” the governor said.
Other members of the committee include the state surveyor-general, the commissioner for lands and survey, the commissioner for primary and secondary education, as well as chairmen of traditional rulers’ councils from the state’s 13 local government areas.
The state government also said a curfew imposed on Amasiri community will remain in force until the severed heads of victims of the Okporojo killings are recovered.
According to Governor Nwifuru, the measures are aimed at restoring peace and preventing further violence in the affected communities.