Title: Ebonyi killings: Govt gives Amasiri community 72 hours to produce victims’ heads, return missing persons Date Published: 10 February 2026 Description: The Ebonyi State Government has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area to produce the heads of four persons allegedly killed and ensure the safe return of four others reported missing after violent attacks on Okporojo Oso Edda village in Edda Local Government Area.Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the directive on Monday night while briefing journalists at the Ochudo Centenary City, New Government House, Abakaliki, following an expanded State Security Council meeting.The meeting, which brought together heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, elders, women leaders and other stakeholders from the affected communities, was convened to address the renewed violence arising from a long-standing land dispute.Governor Nwifuru said investigations by security agencies confirmed that four persons were killed during the attacks, while four others were abducted and remain unaccounted for.He expressed the belief that the abducted persons might still be alive and insisted they must be returned unharmed within the stipulated period.The governor also confirmed reports by the military of the discovery of shallow graves in the affected area, describing the development as disturbing and a grave threat to peace and security in the state.He warned that failure by the Amasiri community to comply with the ultimatum would attract tougher sanctions, stressing that the state government would not hesitate to enforce the rule of law to restore order and protect lives and property.Addressing protests and rising tensions in the area, Nwifuru cautioned residents against actions capable of escalating the crisis, noting that while some activities could warrant arrests, the government was exercising restraint to allow peace efforts to take root.Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, said sanctions already imposed on Amasiri would remain in force until the government’s conditions were fully met.She added that joint security operations involving the police, military, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were ongoing to maintain peace and locate missing persons.Speaking on behalf of the Ebonyi State Founding Fathers, High Chief Hyacinth Ikpor commended the government’s intervention and pledged continued support for peace initiatives.Similarly, Chairman of the Ebonyi Elders Council, Engr. Ben Okah, emphasised the need for dialogue and unity, assuring the government of the council’s cooperation.Representing the Amasiri community, Bishop Kenneth Oko Daniels assured that his people would comply with the directives and work towards restoring peace, while Chief George Ukpai, speaking for the Edda Clan, welcomed the intervention and promised to discourage reprisals.The state government reaffirmed its resolve to ensure lasting peace in the affected communities and to bring all perpetrators of the violence to justice. Attached Images: 6d6cbea7ba687e64259d8d6d16750d0793edbbcd53f8e2d7636a479d8a382e24.jpg Attached Video: None