By Ayodele Oni
The Amasiri Community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has responded to the demand of the state Governor, Francis Nwifuru, ordering the people to produce severed heads of victims killed during a recent violence in Edda.
The community also demanded that Governor Nwifuru end the 72-hour ultimatum issued by the Governor, directing the community to comply with the directive.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Amasiri Communities, Princess Joy Omagha Idam, the community categorically denied any involvement in killings or abductions and warned that the directive amounts to collective punishment and a violation of constitutional rights.
“We state categorically, that Amasiri has no knowledge whatsoever of the alleged killings or abductions. The community neither participated in, facilitated, nor condoned any such acts.”
The statement stressed that attributing criminal responsibility to an entire community violates the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly the presumption of innocence and the prohibition of collective punishment.
Contrary to official narratives, the community said Amasiri has itself suffered grievous losses, including killings, abductions, displacement, and alleged abuses during security operations.
“Contrary to the narrative being advanced, Amasiri has itself suffered significant and irreparable losses. Several sons and daughters of the community have been killed or abducted.
“Among those reportedly abducted, according to the statement, is a retired Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, alongside his wife and in-law, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
“Despite these facts, the community is being threatened with severe sanctions and punitive measures for crimes it knows nothing about.”
The community warned that such actions are unjust, disproportionate, and capable of triggering further violence and breakdown of law and order.
Amasiri raised alarm over what it described as credible reports of widespread human rights abuses allegedly committed during ongoing security operations in the community.
“Senior citizens are reportedly assaulted on a daily basis. Women are allegedly flogged, humiliated, and forced to roll on the ground under the scorching sun, while being coerced to summon their sons who fled in fear for their lives.”
The statement said these actions constitute cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, prohibited under Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“Children of Amasiri are unable to attend school or sit for critical national examinations, including the Common Entrance Examination and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC).”
It described the situation as a violation of the right to education and a threat to the future of an entire generation.
“Within the last two weeks, the community said several lives have been lost, raising questions about equal protection under the law.
“We are compelled to ask: Are Amasiri lives not entitled to equal protection under the law? Did the Governor of Ebonyi State not swear an oath to protect all citizens of the state without discrimination?”
The statement also questioned whether undisclosed material interests related to Amasiri land may be influencing events, noting that Amasiri is regarded as one of the highest revenue generating communities in Ebonyi State.
Citing a “clear and present danger” to lives and liberties, Amasiri called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff, the Minister of Defence, and the National Boundaries Commission to intervene immediately.
“We demand an impartial, transparent, and independent investigation into the allegations of killings, abductions, and the conduct of security forces in Amasiri.”
The community reiterated its commitment to peace and lawful conflict resolution but rejected intimidation and collective punishment.
“We appeal to the conscience of the Nigerian state and the international community to act swiftly to halt ongoing abuses, protect vulnerable populations, and restore peace founded on truth, justice, and respect for human rights.”
The statement also referenced the death of Mr Ndubuisi Agha Ukpai from Ezi Idam Ali Amaegbu Ezeke, who was reportedly shot during military operations on 3/2/26 and died the following day due to lack of medical access.
The abducted retired officer was identified as Warrant Officer Chukwu Charles, alongside his wife Patricia Chukwu Charles.
The community urged security agencies to investigate other possible sources of violence, including the origins of burnt trucks and alleged retaliatory attacks involving other communities.
“The Security Agencies should rather look towards the community where the drivers of trucks burnt come from. They may have retaliated on the Okporojo people. We have no idea as there was no motive.”
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
