Tension continues to mount in Amasiri community of Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, following allegations of excessive force by security operatives and what residents describe as collective punishment imposed by the state government.
The latest development comes amid claims by Concerned Citizens of Amasiri Community that soldiers of the Nigerian Army allegedly killed several civilians during a security operation in the area.
The allegation followed an earlier decision by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to dissolve the political and traditional leadership structures of Amasiri over a violent incident linked to a protracted boundary dispute.
- ‘Full respect’ for Djokovic but Nadal tips Alcaraz for Melbourne title
- Arbeloa backs five Real Madrid stars he ‘always’ wants playing
In a statement issued late Tuesday and signed by Princess (Dr) Joy Idam, the group said the situation had escalated from administrative sanctions to bloodshed, turning what was initially a civil dispute into what it described as a humanitarian and constitutional crisis.
The group alleged that unarmed civilians were shot during the military operation, accusing the army of actions inconsistent with its constitutional role of protecting lives. It called on the Chief of Army Staff to immediately rein in troops deployed to the community, halt operations allegedly endangering civilians, and order an independent investigation into the reported killings.
“The people of Amasiri are now being punished politically, socially and militarily,” the statement said, warning that continued use of force could further radicalise the community and erode public trust in the military.
Separately, a strongly worded open letter addressed to Governor Nwifuru by Princess (Dr) Joy Omagha Ideal, a daughter of the community and publisher of Weekenders Magazine Online, criticised the state government’s response to the crisis, describing it as biased and unjust.
While condemning the killing of innocent persons in Okporojo, she faulted the governor’s decision to dissolve Amasiri’s entire leadership — including traditional rulers, town union executives and appointed officials — without what she described as a transparent investigation or judicial process.
She argued that the action amounted to unconstitutional collective punishment, stressing that crimes are committed by individuals, not entire communities.
“It is deeply troubling that while this conflict is acknowledged as a long-standing boundary dispute involving multiple communities, only Amasiri was publicly humiliated and politically crippled,” the letter stated.
She further criticised the dismissal of elected and appointed officials who, according to her, had neither been investigated nor indicted, warning that such actions could inflame tensions rather than restore peace.
Both statements called for an independent and impartial investigation into the killings and the underlying dispute, urging the government to arrest and prosecute only those directly responsible, regardless of their community.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ebonyi State Government nor the Nigerian Army had issued an official response to the allegations.