Crisis in Ebonyi: Governor Nwifuru Sacks Officials Following Renewed Communal Violence

ABAKALIKI – In a decisive move to address the escalating insecurity within the state, Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the immediate dismissal of a cabinet commissioner and the suspension of several traditional rulers. The heavy-handed disciplinary action follows a fresh wave of communal killings that have left several dead and properties destroyed in troubled boundary areas.

The Governor’s decision, communicated via an official statement on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to internal land disputes and inter-community feuds.

The casualties of the Governor’s reshuffle include the Commissioner for Land and Survey, alongside the traditional rulers of the affected communities. Sources within the government house suggest that the Governor was “visibly disappointed” by the failure of local leaders to implement peace accords or provide actionable intelligence to prevent the recent carnage.

The administration’s stance is clear: leadership comes with the responsibility of maintaining peace, and those who cannot secure their domains will no longer hold office.

The recent violence is rooted in long-standing disputes over land ownership and boundary demarcations. Despite several mediation attempts, the conflict reignited over the weekend, leading to:

• Loss of Life: Multiple casualties reported during the dawn raids.

• Displacement: Hundreds of villagers fleeing to neighboring local government areas.

• Destruction: Houses and farmlands razed, threatening the food security of the region.

Governor Nwifuru emphasized that his administration will not tolerate “lackadaisical” attitudes toward human life. By sacking the Commissioner and dethroning traditional custodians, the Governor is sending a message that no one is “too big” to be held accountable for the breakdown of law and order.

“We cannot fold our arms while the blood of innocent Ebonyians is spilled over land that belongs to the state. Traditional rulers are the eyes and ears of the government; if they fail to see the signs of war, they have failed in their primary duty.” — Official Government Statement

The state government has deployed additional security forces to the flashpoints to forestall reprisal attacks. Furthermore, a high-powered judicial commission of inquiry is expected to be inaugurated to find a permanent legal resolution to the boundary disputes.

For now, the affected communities remain under a heavy security watch, and the Ministry of Lands will be overseen by an acting coordinator pending a new appointment.