Ebonyi crisis: Amasiri monarchs urge Nwifuru to hasten boundary demarcation to stop killings

 

Traditional rulers in Amasiri community, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to urgently fast-track the delineation of the disputed boundary between Amasiri and neighbouring Oso-Edda community in Edda LGA, following renewed violence that has claimed several lives.

The appeal comes on the heels of the governor’s recent decision to dissolve the political and traditional leadership structures of the Amasiri clan after a deadly communal clash that reportedly left at least three persons dead and properties destroyed.

In a statement issued on Monday and jointly signed by eight Amasiri traditional leaders, the monarchs commended the governor’s intervention so far but stressed the need for immediate implementation of the boundary demarcation to prevent further bloodshed.

They condemned the violence, including reported killings, arson and destruction of homes in Okporojo, a disputed farming settlement at the centre of the crisis, and called on security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

According to them, the lingering dispute involving Okporojo, Ndukwe and Ihie communities of Amasiri and Oso-Edda has led to repeated clashes, loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of property on both sides.

Describing the situation as tragic and unacceptable, the traditional rulers said both Afikpo and Edda people share common ancestry and should not be divided by violence.

They urged the state government to urgently enforce the boundary delineation process, noting that it is based on a 2003 gazetted report earlier accepted by the parties involved as a permanent solution to the dispute.

The monarchs recalled that the state government reopened the delineation process late last year after a series of peace meetings, and that the commitment to implement the 2003 report was reaffirmed again in 2023.

They, however, expressed concern over delays in executing the report, warning that the slow pace has continued to fuel tension and hostilities in the affected areas.

The leaders said both communities depend heavily on the disputed land for farming and livelihood, making a clear and enforceable boundary critical for peace and economic survival.

They added that swift government action would restore order, enable farmers to return safely to their lands, and prevent further loss of lives and property.