Thousands of residents of Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State fled their homes early Wednesday as a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the state government expired.
The directive ordered the community to produce the severed heads of three people killed during an attack on Okporojo community in Oso Edda, Edda LGA, allegedly carried away by suspected Amasiri assailants. The government also demanded the return of four persons reportedly abducted in Okporojo village.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the ultimatum on Monday after a high-level security meeting at the Government House in Abakaliki. He warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would attract tougher measures against the community.
On Wednesday, women, children and elderly residents were seen leaving with their belongings, while many men and youths reportedly stayed behind to protect homes and property from possible looting. Some residents sought refuge in neighbouring Afikpo town and parts of Cross River State.
The government had further directed the community to produce the severed head of Augustine Ite from Akpoha in Afikpo LGA, who was allegedly abducted, killed and buried in a shallow grave in the area.
Residents said fear of a possible government crackdown prompted their departure. A nursing mother, Charity, said innocent people were bearing the brunt of the crisis. “The perpetrators have fled into the bushes or left the community. Our children are paying for the actions of a few individuals,” she said.
Schools, churches and markets have remained closed for over a week, with movement in and out of the community heavily restricted. Families are reportedly facing food shortages, while accommodation costs have risen in Afikpo town due to the influx of displaced residents.
A businessman, Chimaobi Kalu, who relocated his family to Abia State, said commercial activities had been paralysed. “I am only staying back to protect my shop from possible looting,” he said, urging the government to consider the plight of non-indigenes operating businesses in the area.
Security agencies, including the military, have maintained patrols, but tension remains high. As of press time, the state government had not issued further directives, with the ultimatum set to lapse later on Wednesday.
