Gov Nwifuru Urged to intervene, as Akpoha Attack Amasiri Son

By Sharon Akuboh

The people of Amasiri have cried out to Governor Francis Nwifuru, the Ebonyi State governor to intervene over A disturbing incident that occurred at Amasiri, Afikpo LGA in Ebonyi State, involving Mr. Boniface Akwuba, a son of Amasiri, who was attacked by Akpoha people while working on his farmland. The attack, which resulted in Mr. Akwuba being shot on his left hand, has sparked concerns about the escalating tensions between the two communities.

A Call for Government Intervention
The Amasiri community is now calling on the Ebonyi State Government, led by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to intervene in the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice. The community is seeking government support to ensure that peace and order are restored in the area.

Weekenders magazine online reached out to Hon Baron Ogbonna the Amasiri Development Coordinator, DC and here is what he had to say;

The Man Boniface Akwuba and the wife went to harvest cassava at their farm, a certain man who the victim and the wife identified through his intonation as an Akpoha person attacked them with a locally made gun. It was through the effort of a motor bike person who came to assist them convey their cassava home that the victim was taken to a Medical Centre at Amasiri where those pictures were taken and sent to me”.

Hon Ogbonna explaining further said “I drew the attention of the Coordinator of Akpoha Development Center to the incident and forwarded the pictures to him. I also sent the pictures to the honourable Member representing our state constituency” .

” The Councilor from Ezeke ward reported the matter to the police at Afikpo who visited the victim at the Medical Centre. As I speak to you now the victim is still lying critically injured at the hospital where efforts are being made to remove pellets from his body”.

He further explained that “This evening we had a meeting with the police at the Area Command Afikpo where we agreed that the police will work in synergy with Akpoha people and Amasiri people to unravel the perpetrator of such criminality”.

” Whosoever that opines that the incident is stage managed should make efforts to reach the Nigerian police that are investigating the matter. The victim is alive ,as soon as he becomes stable,we will make effort for him to speak with you directly”.

A History of Conflict
This recent attack highlights the need for the state government to address the underlying issues driving the conflict between Akpoha and Amasiri communities. The government may need to Set up a Committee to investigate the incident and work towards finding a lasting solution to the conflict. The Land in Contest belongs to Amasiri.

Urgent Action Required
The Ebonyi State Government should take immediate action to:

• Investigate the incident: Identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
• Provide security: Ensure the safety of citizens in the affected areas, especially for Amasiri Autonomous Community.

– Foster dialogue: Encourage dialogue between the Akpoha and Amasiri communities to resolve their differences peacefully.