Ehugbo often referred to as Afikpo, is the second largest urban area in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It is the headquarters of the Afikpo North Local Government Area. It is situated in the southern part of Ebonyi State and is bordered to the north by the town of Akpoha, to the south by Unwana, to the south west by Edda LGA, to the east by the Cross River State and to the west by Amasiri town. Afikpo spans an area approximately 164 square kilometers in size. It is located on 6 degrees north latitude and 8 degrees east longitude. It occupies an area of about 64 square miles. Afikpo is a hilly area despite occupying a region low in altitude, which rises 350 feet above sea level. It is a transitional area between open grassland and tropical forest and has an average annual rainfall of seventy-seven inches The population of Afikpo is estimated at 156,611, according to the Nigerian 2006 Census. Igbo traditional centre Afikpo is a centre of ancient Igbo tradition. Ceremonial masks have been carefully preserved by the state tourism board. Afikpo is an ancient city-state. Several archaeological findings support the claim that Afikpo civilisation existed as far back as the Neolithic age. There is a rite of passage for every male child from Afikpo. This entails initiation into the Ogo cult. It is shrouded in secrecy and mystery, as women are not let into the workings of the cult. This confers adulthood to the male child.
Afikpo presently has a new political dispensation consisting of youths and well to do personalities enhancing development. The former L. G. A Chairman, Mr. Obinna, had been working hand in hand with the people of Afikpo towards a strategical development. He also wants to reunite the two PDP rival groups into one PDP group, despite the political problems that the two groups had, which took a life a native of Amaogwugwu Ugwuegu Elu at WTC during the local government election September 17, 2007. Eze was murdered for joining force with Mr. Otuu to supporting one Mr. Anthony Ekoh forcChairmanship position in Afikpo North. As of 2007, justice has not been done in this case as no one has been punished for the crime, notwithstanding the confession made by the one of the hired killers when found out in the place he was hiding. His confession got the youth annoyed and they went on a rampage and set the house of the name suspected sponsor ablaze.
