By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, on Tuesday, 28 January 2026, convened a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of the warring Amasiri and Akpoha communities to address recent developments in the protracted crisis between the two communities.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, the meeting was held in Abakaliki following a series of security incidents that heightened tensions in the area.
The incidents include the seizure of a logging machine and a motorcycle belonging to an Akpoha indigene during a logging operation, the alleged abduction of one Augustine Ite, and the subsequent blockade of the Abakaliki–Afikpo Expressway. The road was later reopened after the swift intervention of the police. Also discussed was the abduction of a female police officer and four other persons by Akpoha youths, all of whom have since been released.
Stakeholders present at the meeting included the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, traditional rulers from both communities, the Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, representatives of the Akpoha community stated that the abduction of the female police officer was carried out in reaction to the seizure of their logging machine and motorcycle, as well as the alleged abduction of Augustine Ite, whom they claimed remains missing.
CP Uche-Anya, however, strongly reprimanded the Akpoha community for failing to report the matter to the police and instead resorting to self-help, a practice the Command has consistently warned against. She also expressed deep disappointment over the actions of youths from both communities, warning that such acts would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Commissioner urged all parties to embrace peace and dialogue while awaiting the implementation of boundary adjustments by the Ebonyi State Government.
The meeting was adjourned to Friday, 30 January 2026, with CP Uche-Anya directing stakeholders from Amasiri to produce those responsible for the seizure of the logging machine and ensure the release of the allegedly abducted person.