Leaders of the Amasiri community in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to lift what they described as a crippling “siege” imposed on their area following a deadly communal clash.
The appeal comes days after the governor announced sweeping sanctions on Amasiri in response to the killing of three people in neighbouring Okporojo village, Oso Edda, over a long-standing land dispute.
On Sunday, Nwifuru dissolved all political and traditional leadership structures in the Amasiri clan, dethroned traditional rulers, scrapped community unions, and removed Amasiri from Ebonyi’s list of 64 development centres.
He also ordered the closure of schools, markets, banks and businesses, imposed a 20-hour daily curfew, and deployed soldiers to enforce the measures. In addition, neighbouring local government chairmen in Ivo, Onicha and Ohaozara were directed to take over the administration of the community.
At a press conference in Abuja, Amasiri leaders condemned the killings in Okporojo and urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute the actual perpetrators, irrespective of where they come from.
Joy Omagha, an indigene and newspaper publisher, called on the governor to set up an independent and impartial panel of inquiry to investigate the incident. He appealed for the immediate reversal of what he described as “blanket sanctions” punishing innocent residents.
Idam-Ngwoke Emmanuel, South-East coordinator of the Human Rights Guide Association of Nigeria, alleged that soldiers deployed to the area had carried out arbitrary shootings and arrests. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order the withdrawal of troops from the community.
Another speaker, M.O. Idam, a public interest and human rights advocate, said the governor may have acted on misinformation. He described the sanctions as “hasty” and warned that they risk deepening tension rather than restoring peace.
Idam said Amasiri had championed a peace accord in December 2025, despite resistance from neighbouring communities, while awaiting a final resolution of the boundary dispute by the state government.
According to him, residents are now living in fear, unable to work, trade or access basic services.
The community leaders also appealed to the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the chief of defence staff, Olufemi Oluyede, to intervene by halting military operations, releasing those allegedly arrested unlawfully, reinstating dismissed appointees and restoring the traditional institutions.
