Nwifuru Receives Amasiri-Edda Report, Reinstates Traditional Rulers
By Nkechinyere Ewa and Sharon Akuboh
The peace process in Ebonyi’s Amasiri-Edda boundary dispute has taken a significant step forward, but residents of Amasiri say lasting peace must also address alleged losses, insecurity and the welfare of affected families.
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 longstanding dispute between Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area and Oso-Edda in Edda LGA.
The Governor also announced the reinstatement of the traditional rulers of Ndukwe and Amasiri, who were dethroned following the communal crisis.
Receiving the report at Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, Nwifuru said peace remained central to his administration and directed both communities to maintain the status quo pending the completion of the boundary demarcation exercise.
He warned residents against trespassing or interfering with the process, stressing that government’s interest was to restore peace and create an environment for development.
The committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Nwobasi, said it had visited the disputed areas, interacted with residents, conducted surveys and produced sketches as part of its investigation.
Nwobasi described the conflict as a longstanding and complex dispute, noting that the committee had worked to establish the facts surrounding the contested boundary.
While welcoming the Governor’s intervention and the reinstatement of the traditional rulers, Amasiri residents called for further action to address what they described as years of losses arising from the conflict.
They maintained that the disputed land belongs to Amasiri and alleged that Edda settlers moved into the area over the years in search of livelihoods.
They also alleged repeated attacks, road blockades and searches of vehicles by Oso-Edda youths, calling for an independent investigation into the claims.
The community further appealed for compensation for families whose homes and property were destroyed, as well as support for those who lost relatives during the violence.
Amasiri also urged the state government to consider scholarships and other development initiatives for its people, citing the community’s significant contribution to the state’s internally generated revenue.
The community welcomed the reinstatement of its traditional rulers but appealed to Governor Nwifuru to secure the unconditional release, rehabilitation and compensation of youths from Amasiri who remain in detention over the crisis.
For Amasiri, the boundary report may be an important step towards peace, but the community says justice, security and reconstruction must form part of the final settlement.
Join Our WhatsApp Community
