By Nkechinyere Ewa and Sharon Akuboh
Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has received the interim report of the Amasiri-Edda Boundary Adjustment and Demarcation Committee set up to investigate the causes of the prolonged dispute between Amasiri Community in Afikpo North Local Government Area and Oso-Edda in Edda Local Government Area.
The governor also announced the reinstatement of two traditional rulers who were dethroned following the communal crisis involving the affected communities.
The committee, headed by the State Commissioner for Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobasi, was constituted after an attack at Okporojo on February 6, following which the state government moved to address the underlying issues surrounding the conflict.
Receiving the interim report at his office in Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, Nwifuru described peace as a valuable foundation for development and warned that communal violence and social unrest would not be tolerated under his administration.
He commended the committee for its work and acknowledged the complexity of the dispute, which he said had persisted for more than 100 years.
“In our administration, we are committed to making peace in all the communities in this state.”
The governor also rejected claims that the government’s peace initiative was targeted at any particular community, insisting that the administration’s priority was to restore peace and create an environment for development.
Nwifuru said the government’s willingness to make adjustments in the interest of peace should not be interpreted as weakness.
He stressed that both communities must cooperate with the government’s efforts, adding that the administration had no interest other than achieving lasting peace.
While accepting the interim report, the governor directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the completion of the boundary demarcation exercise.
“None should interfere and trespass on each other’s land,” he said.
Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Prof. Nwobasi, said the panel had conducted meetings with stakeholders, interacted with residents and physically inspected the disputed areas as part of its assessment.
He said the committee surveyed the affected locations, prepared sketches and reached preliminary decisions before presenting its interim findings to the governor.
Nwobasi described the Amasiri-Edda dispute as a complex and longstanding communal conflict and commended Governor Nwifuru for his intervention and commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.
Amasiri Community Appeals for Further Action
Following the presentation of the interim report, concerns and demands attributed to members of the Amasiri Community have also emerged.
The community maintains that the disputed land belongs to Amasiri and contends that people from Oso-Edda settled in the area over the years in search of livelihoods. These claims remain part of the wider dispute and would require verification through relevant land, boundary and historical records.
The community has also called for an investigation into alleged incidents of roadblocks, vehicle searches, attacks and other forms of violence allegedly affecting Amasiri residents. These allegations should be independently investigated by the appropriate authorities.
Amasiri representatives have further appealed for compensation for residents whose homes and property were allegedly destroyed or lost during the crisis, as well as support for families who lost loved ones.
The community has also called on the state government to consider greater development interventions in Amasiri, including scholarship opportunities and other forms of support, citing its contribution to the state’s internally generated revenue.
Another major request is the release of youths from Amasiri who, according to community representatives, remain in detention over matters connected to the crisis. The community is seeking their unconditional release, rehabilitation and appropriate compensation where applicable.
While welcoming the governor’s decision to reinstate the traditional rulers, the community urged the state government to pursue a broader peace-building process that addresses security concerns, alleged losses, rehabilitation, compensation and the long-term development needs of affected residents.
The next phase of the boundary demarcation exercise is expected to provide greater clarity on the disputed areas, while continued engagement among the government, traditional institutions and the affected communities will be critical to preventing a recurrence of violence.
