The Ebonyi government has given Amasiri community of Afikpo Local Government Area (LGA) three days to produce the four heads of neighbouring Okporojo indigenes, severed during a violent land dispute.
Recalled that Amasiri was recently involved in a renewed land dispute with neighbouring Okporojo village in Oso community of Edda LGA which led to several deaths and destruction of several property.
The killings assumed a gruesome dimension with the attackers beheading four of the victims and escaping with the severed heads.
Gov. Francis Nwifuru during a visit to the affected village on Jan. 31, reeled several sanctions on Amasiri which included sacking of its political appointees, dethronement of its traditional rulers, placement of curfew in the area among others.
Nwifuru however on Tuesday while briefing newsmen after the state security council and stakeholders meeting,, also mandated Amasiri to return the four Okporojo indigenes abducted during the attack.
“We are demanding the return of the four heads and the abducted.persons because we believe they are alive.
“I can confirm reports from the deputy director of army public relations on the shocking discovery of shallow graves containing beheaded bodies.
“Bodies were discovered tied, beheaded and buried in shallow graves and some of the victims yet to be identified,” he said .
The governor warmed that if the heads and abducted were not returned within the stipulated period, more severe sanctions would be meted on Amasiri.
“This is not a time for long grammer as only restraint held us from giving this community, the treatment perpetrators of such evil deserve.
“It is evident that Amasiri stakeholders have been gripped with fear and we would still give them chance to confide in us what they cannot say in the open.
“The protests by Amasiri indigenes would have attracted sanctions but we are exercising restraint and patience considering prevailing circumstances,” he said.
The State Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya told journalists that the sanctions placed on Amasiri would remain until it produces the severed heads, abducted persons and hand over those responsible for the act.
“Security agencies are still searching for the missing persons and doing everything possible to ensure total peace in the area.
The Chairman of the Ebonyi Elders Council, Chief Ben Okah, said the group was been fully involved in the discussions and supported all government’s decisions on the issue.
A Cleric, Kenneth Oko–Daniels representing the Amasiri community assured that the people would do its best to comply with all directives, as it had no other choice.
Chief Jeffrey Ndukwe, who spoke for the Okorojo village described the government’s measures as soothing with the devastating carnage nearly broke its belief in continued existence.
