Ebonyi Government Demands Return of Abducted Residents Amid Deadly Community Clash

The Ebonyi State Government has set a 72‑hour deadline for key demands to be met following violent clashes between rival communities in the southeast of Nigeria. Authorities instructed that four people who were taken during the conflict must be safely returned and that evidence of the killing of four residents be produced within three days.

At a high‑level security meeting convened by Governor Francis Nwifuru, security chiefs, traditional leaders, and elders reviewed reports on recent attacks that have strained relations between the Amasiri community in Afikpo North and Okporojo village in Edda Local Government Area.

Investigations by the state’s security agencies reportedly confirmed that four people were killed in late January during an outbreak of violence linked to a long‑standing land dispute. Officials said three of the deceased were decapitated and their heads have not yet been recovered, and that four others are still unaccounted for.

In response, the government demanded within 72 hours that the severed remains be presented and the missing individuals be freed. A communiqué issued after the meeting stated that failure to comply would trigger legal sanctions.

Security forces are actively conducting operations in affected areas, with police, military, and other agencies collaborating to enforce peace, maintain public safety, and locate those still missing. Authorities also reiterated that a curfew and other measures remain in force as part of efforts to calm tensions and prevent further unrest.