Okporojo Attack: Ebonyi Govt Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum, Demands Return of Slain Victims’ Remains

By Wilson Ogbonnaya Okereke, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Government has issued a three-day ultimatum for the return of the remains of four indigenes of Oso Edda reportedly killed during the recent crisis involving suspected warlords from Amasiri Community. The directive followed a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the New Government House in Abakaliki. Addressing journalists after the meeting, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who chaired the session, warned that those responsible must comply with the order or face strict government action.

The governor also ordered the immediate release of abducted members of Akpoha Community — either alive or dead — within 72 hours, stressing that any burial arrangements for victims should be suspended until all missing persons are accounted for. According to him, the Council further directed that four abducted members of Okporojo Community be released within the same three-day period. Governor Nwifuru reiterated the state government’s commitment to restoring peace and preventing further breakdown of law and order. As part of emergency measures, a curfew from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. has been imposed in the affected areas, with a warning that anyone who fails to comply will face the full weight of the law. The meeting, which involved security chiefs, founding fathers of Ebonyi State, members of the Elders Council, SEC members, and stakeholders from the affected communities, was convened following the violent incident reported on January 29, 2026, in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area. Authorities have urged all parties to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to restore peace in the troubled communities.