ABAKALIKI: Authorities in Ebonyi State are still searching for the severed heads of four victims killed during a violent boundary dispute between communities in the state earlier this year, despite ongoing investigations and security operations.
The incident occurred on January 29, 2026, in Okporojo village in Edda Local Government Area, where a long-standing boundary conflict between residents of Oso-Edda and neighbouring Amasiri community in Afikpo North Local Government Area escalated into deadly violence.
According to reports, four people were killed during the clash, and their heads were allegedly severed and taken away by attackers believed to be from the opposing community.
Security forces deployed to restore order in the troubled area later uncovered multiple shallow graves containing mutilated bodies, suggesting the violence may have been more extensive than initially reported.
A spokesperson for the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, confirmed that troops were sent to the area following the killings and subsequent intelligence reports.
According to him, credible intelligence indicated the existence of several burial sites containing victims, including both adults and children.
He said the discovery of the graves underscored the scale of the crimes committed and justified the continued deployment of security personnel to maintain order and prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 32 suspects in connection with the killings.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the suspects had already been arraigned in court and remanded in correctional facilities while investigations continue.
Despite the arrests, authorities confirmed that the four severed heads remain missing.
Ukandu added that police investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the killings.
In response to the crisis, Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi State, directed security agencies to intensify efforts to recover the missing heads and ensure that responsible face justice.
During a visit to the affected communities, the governor also took several drastic measures aimed at restoring order.
These included:
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The removal of political office holders and community leaders in Amasiri
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The repeal of the law establishing the Amasiri Development Centre
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The imposition of a curfew in the community
The curfew, initially set between 2:00 pm and 10:00 am, was later adjusted to run from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am as security conditions improved.
Following a security council meeting involving community leaders and security agencies in Abakaliki, the state capital, the governor issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding the release of the missing heads.
However, the deadline expired without compliance.
As part of the government’s response, Nwifuru also ordered the destruction of shrines and deities believed to exist within Amasiri, directing local stakeholders to assist authorities in identifying their locations.
To prevent future conflicts, the state government established a 19-member boundary demarcation committee to clearly define the disputed border between the communities.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Paul Nwobashi, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Border and Conflict Resolution, with Chief Sunday Oyibe serving as secretary.
Authorities say the demarcation exercise became necessary after both communities agreed to resolve the dispute through formal boundary clarification.
The Ebonyi State Government has also provided relief assistance to families affected by the violence.
Through the Ministry of Human Capital Development and Monitoring, the government distributed ₦70 million to relatives of those killed in the crisis.
The commissioner for the ministry, Ann Aligwe, said the financial support was approved by Governor Nwifuru to help alleviate the suffering of the victims’ families.
Additional items distributed included bags of rice, bundles of zinc roofing sheets and mattresses.
In a bid to restore peace, leaders from both Amasiri and Edda communities have initiated reconciliation efforts, including separate visits to former Ebonyi governor and current Minister of Works, David Umahi.
During the meetings, Umahi condemned the violence and urged both communities to prioritise peace and dialogue over conflict.
He emphasised that the communities share long-standing historical and cultural ties and warned that violence would only deepen divisions and prolong suffering.
Local officials say calm has gradually returned to the affected areas, with displaced residents beginning to return to their homes.
Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Chima Ekumankama, said efforts by security agencies and community leaders were helping restore stability in the region.
However, authorities insist that full normalcy will only be achieved once the missing heads are recovered and justice is served for the victims of the deadly communal clash.
