The government of Ebonyi State has ordered the demolition of shrines and deities in the Amasiri community of Afikpo Local Government Area following a deadly clash linked to a land dispute.
Governor Francis Nwifuru gave the directive after security reports allegedly linked some traditional shrines in the community to the recent violence and ritual practices associated with the killings.
The order was announced after an expanded state security meeting convened to address the escalating conflict between Amasiri and neighbouring Okporojo in Edda Local Government Area.
The crisis was reportedly triggered by a long-standing boundary dispute between the two communities. The renewed violence led to several deaths and the destruction of properties.
The situation drew widespread condemnation after attackers allegedly beheaded four victims and fled with their severed heads, an incident that shocked residents and authorities across the state.
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Disturbed by the gruesome development, the governor directed stakeholders in Amasiri to identify the locations of all shrines and deities believed to be connected to the violence so they can be demolished as part of efforts to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.
Earlier, the state government imposed sanctions on the community, including the removal of its political appointees, the dethronement of traditional rulers, the closure of schools, and the imposition of a curfew.
Authorities said the curfew in the community will remain in place until the missing heads of the victims are recovered and those responsible for the killings are arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the state government has set up a 19-member committee to demarcate the disputed boundary between Amasiri and Okporojo communities.
The committee is headed by the Commissioner for Border and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi, and includes the state surveyor-general and the commissioner for lands and survey.
Officials say the committee’s task is to permanently resolve the boundary dispute and prevent further clashes between the neighbouring communities.
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