The Ebonyi State Government has ordered the demolition of all shrines and deities in Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area following its alleged involvement in a recent violent clash.
The directive was issued by Governor Francis Nwifuru after an enlarged state security meeting held on Thursday. The order was contained in a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor.
According to the statement, stakeholders in the Amasiri community have been directed to identify the locations of all shrines and deities to enable their destruction.
The decision follows a renewed land dispute between Amasiri and neighbouring Okporojo community in Edda Local Government Area, which reportedly led to several deaths and destruction of property.
The violence took a more gruesome turn after attackers allegedly beheaded four victims and fled with their severed heads.
In response, the state government had earlier imposed several sanctions on the Amasiri community. These include the removal of political appointees from the area, the dethronement of traditional rulers, the imposition of a curfew and the closure of schools.
Governor Nwifuru had maintained that the punitive measures would remain in place until the severed heads are recovered and those responsible for the killings are apprehended.
Meanwhile, the government has set up a 19-member committee to demarcate the disputed boundary between the Amasiri and Okporojo communities.
The committee, chaired by the State Commissioner for Border and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi, also includes the state surveyor-general and the Commissioner for Lands and Survey.
The government said the demarcation became necessary after both communities agreed to the process as part of efforts to end the dispute.
It added that the curfew imposed on Amasiri would remain in force until the severed heads of the victims are recovered and those responsible brought to justice.
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