Age grades and elders of Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have condemned the recent killings in Okporojo village, Oso-Edda, Edda Local Government Area, describing the violence as barbaric, regrettable and a violation of shared ancestral bonds.
The condemnation came from the ancient traditional institutions in Amasiri, comprising the Ichie Amasiri (council of revered elders), the ESSA Ruling Council, Ekpu Uketo, and Uke Amasiri, who jointly appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to urgently implement the 2003 gazetted boundary delineation report between Amasiri and Oso-Edda communities.
In a joint communiqué titled “Urgent Appeal to His Excellency, Builder Francis Ognonna Nwifuru, Executive Governor of Ebonyi State: Expedite Action on Amasiri/Oso Boundary Delineation,” the traditional institutions expressed deep sorrow over last Thursday’s violent incident and extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and property.
The communiqué, made available to journalists on Monday, was signed by leaders of the various traditional bodies, including Ichie Hyacinth Idam Mbe, Mr. Roland Ntachi, and Apostle Ekuma Emmanuel Ndubuisi, among others.
The elders stressed that Amasiri and Edda people are brothers with a common lineage, noting that any bloodshed between the two communities constitutes an abomination under their customs and traditions.
“This is deeply regrettable and we condemn these barbaric acts in their entirety. We are brothers, united by one lineage system across Afikpo and Edda. Any action that leads to bloodshed is not only an abomination but totally unacceptable,” the communiqué stated.
While pledging full cooperation with the Ebonyi State Government to ensure that perpetrators of the violence are identified and punished, the monarchs and elders urged authorities to address the root cause of the recurring clashes—boundary disputes.
They called on the state government to immediately implement the 2003 gazetted boundary delineation report, which both Amasiri and Oso-Edda communities had earlier agreed would permanently resolve the dispute.
According to the communiqué, the state government had, after several peace meetings late last year, initiated the boundary delineation process based on the 2003 report, a move welcomed by both communities. A subsequent effort in 2023, they noted, also reaffirmed consensus on implementing the same report.
“We are at a loss as to why the government is yet to fully implement this agreed report. The delay has continued to fuel mistrust and hostilities, especially as the farming season approaches and our people need access to their farmlands to survive,” the elders said.
They warned that failure to act promptly could lead to further loss of lives and destruction of property, insisting that clear boundary demarcation remains the surest path to lasting peace.
The traditional institutions also lamented what they described as increasing encroachment into Amasiri lands by neighbouring communities, a situation they said unfairly paints the peace-loving Amasiri people in a bad light.
“Despite repeated provocations, including killings, abductions and destruction of property, Amasiri has remained law-abiding. It is on record that we have never blocked roads or taken the law into our hands,” the communiqué added.
They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and appealed to neighbouring communities to support ongoing efforts to restore peace, law and order along their shared borders.
The elders concluded by urging Governor Nwifuru, whom they described as a people-oriented and listening leader, to intervene decisively by ordering the immediate implementation of the boundary delineation report, saying it would restore calm, ensure safe farming activities and foster harmonious coexistence between the two brother communities.
