Governor Orders Demolition of Shrines in Amasiri Clan Amid Communal Tensions!
Reported by Marian opeyemi fasesan Editor -in- chief | Sele Media Africa
Authorities in southeastern Nigeria have ordered the destruction of traditional shrines and deities in the Amasiri clan as part of broader efforts to address escalating communal tensions and restore order in the area.
The directive was issued by Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, following a security and stakeholders’ meeting convened to address the ongoing dispute involving communities within the Amasiri axis.
Speaking after the meeting, the governor said the state government had instructed local leaders and security agencies to identify and dismantle all shrines and deities located within the Amasiri clan.
The council has also directed that all the shrines and deities in the Amasiri clan be destroyed, and stakeholders of the area are under an obligation to show the state government and security agencies the locations of the shrines,” the governor said.
Acording to the state government, the move is part of a wider security intervention aimed at curbing violence, preventing the alleged use of shrines for unlawful activities, and restoring stability to communities affected by the dispute.
Boundary Dispute and Government Intervention
The crisis has been linked to a longstanding boundary disagreement between neighboring communities within the Amasiri area of Afikpo North Local Government Area in Ebonyi State.
To address the underlying territorial conflict, Governor Nwifuru also announced the formation of a 19-member committee tasked with demarcating the disputed boundary between the affected communities. The committee is expected to work with local stakeholders, traditional leaders, and security agencies to produce a lasting solution.
State officials say the boundary demarcation process is intended to reduce recurring clashes, land disputes, and tensions that have periodically disrupted social and economic activities in the region.
Mixed Reactions From Stakeholders
While some residents and local leaders have welcomed the intervention as a necessary step to restore peace, the directive to demolish shrines has also sparked debate among cultural and traditional groups.
Critics argue that traditional shrines form part of the cultural heritage of many communities in southeastern Nigeria and caution that their destruction could deepen tensions if not handled with sensitivity.
However, state authorities maintain that the measure is strictly security-driven and intended to prevent the alleged misuse of traditional sites in fueling conflict.
Search for Lasting Peace
The Ebonyi State government has urged all parties involved in the dispute to cooperate with the newly formed committee and security agencies to ensure a peaceful resolution.
Officials say the administration remains committed to dialogue, lawful conflict resolution, and community reconciliation as part of broader efforts to stabilize affected areas and strengthen local governance structures.
Sources
Punch Newspapers, Vanguard Media Limited, The Cable, Premium Times
Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.
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