‘We Are Brothers’: Amasiri traditional institutions condemn Oso-Edda killings, urge immediate boundary demarcation
Traditional institutions in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have strongly condemned the recent violent killings in Okporojo village, Oso-Edda, Edda LGA, describing the incident as barbaric, regrettable and unacceptable.
According to Century Post, the condemnation came from a coalition of revered Amasiri traditional bodies, including the Ichie Amasiri (council of elders), the ESSA Ruling Council, Ekpu Uketo, and the Uke Amasiri age grades, who serve as custodians of the community’s cultural heritage.
In a joint communiqué issued on Monday and titled “Urgent Appeal to His Excellency, Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Executive Governor of Ebonyi State: Expedite Action on Amasiri/Oso Boundary Delineation,” the institutions stressed that the Amasiri and Edda people are brothers bound by a common lineage.
They noted that any form of bloodshed between the two communities is considered an abomination and must be totally condemned.
The communiqué was jointly signed by eight chairmen of the various traditional institutions in the clan, including Ichie Hyacinth Idam Mbe, Mr. Roland Ntachi and Apostle Ekuma Emmanuel Ndubuisi.
While commiserating with families who lost loved ones and property in the crisis, the traditional institutions pledged their full cooperation with the Ebonyi State Government to identify and ensure the punishment of those responsible for the violence.
“This development is deeply regrettable and we condemn these barbaric acts in their entirety,” the communiqué read.
“We are all brothers, united by one lineage system across Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas. Any action that leads to bloodshed is not only an abomination but totally unacceptable.”
The institutions called on the state government to urgently implement the long-agreed boundary delineation between Amasiri and Oso-Edda communities, describing it as the most effective way to end recurring clashes and mutual suspicion.
According to them, the boundary should be delineated in line with the 2003 gazetted report, which both communities had accepted, and whose implementation was reaffirmed during another peace process in 2023.
They expressed concern that delays in implementing the report had continued to fuel tension, especially as the farming season approaches and residents need safe access to their farmlands.
“The Ebonyi State Government, after a series of peace meetings late last year, resolved to delineate the boundary—a decision welcomed by both communities,” the communiqué stated.
“We are therefore at a loss as to why the implementation of the 2003 gazetted report has been delayed, despite renewed agreement in 2023.”
The group appealed directly to Governor Francis Nwifuru to order the immediate execution of the delineation exercise, noting that it would restore lasting peace, prevent further loss of lives and property, and promote harmonious coexistence.
They also described as unfortunate what they alleged to be coordinated encroachment into Amasiri land by neighbouring communities, a situation they said has unfairly portrayed the traditionally peaceful Amasiri people in a negative light.
Despite the provocations, the institutions reaffirmed their commitment to lawfulness and peaceful engagement.
“We are peace-loving, accommodating and hospitable people. That is why we have continued to endure provocations, including killings, abductions and destruction of property, while relying on government to address these injustices,” they said.
They further appealed to neighbouring communities to support efforts aimed at restoring peace, law and order along their shared boundaries.
