The Ebonyi State Government has directed the destruction of all shrines and deities in Amasiri clan following recent killings in the area. Governor Francis Nwifuru gave the directive during an expanded security council meeting in Abakaliki.
The meeting, attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and stakeholders from affected communities, also approved the constitution of a 19-member committee to demarcate the disputed boundary between Okporojo and Amasiri communities. The committee is headed by the Commissioner for Border and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi.
According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, the council ordered stakeholders in Amasiri to disclose the locations of all shrines and assist security agencies in ensuring their removal. The decision was taken amid efforts to curb further violence in the area.
Governor Nwifuru said the boundary demarcation became necessary after both parties signed an agreement to resolve the dispute. Members of the committee include the Surveyor General, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, and chairpersons of traditional rulers’ councils across the state’s 13 local government areas.
The council also resolved that the curfew imposed on Amasiri Community would remain in effect until the severed heads of victims from the recent killings in Okporojo are recovered.