The Government of Ebonyi State has ordered the demolition of all shrines and deities in the Amasiri community of Afikpo Local Government Area following its alleged involvement in a recent violent conflict that resulted in multiple deaths.

The directive was issued by Governor Francis Nwifuru after an expanded state security meeting held on Thursday. The governor’s decision was conveyed in a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the crisis stemmed from a renewed land dispute between the Amasiri community and neighbouring Okporojo in the Oso area of Edda Local Government Area.

The clash reportedly led to several deaths and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira. The violence escalated when attackers allegedly beheaded four victims and fled with their severed heads, further heightening tensions in the area.

Following the incident, Governor Nwifuru imposed a series of sanctions on the Amasiri community. These include the dismissal of political appointees from the area, the dethronement of traditional rulers, the imposition of a curfew, and the closure of schools.

The governor has repeatedly insisted that the sanctions will remain in place until the severed heads are recovered and those responsible for the killings are arrested and brought to justice.

As part of efforts to address the crisis, the governor also directed community stakeholders in Amasiri to identify the locations of all shrines and deities for demolition.

In addition, the state government has set up a 19-member committee to demarcate the disputed boundary between the Okporojo and Amasiri communities. The committee is chaired by the State Commissioner for Border and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobashi, and includes the Surveyor-General of the state and the Commissioner for Lands and Survey.

Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Amasiri community remains in force until the severed heads of the victims are recovered, the governor said.