By Jasmine Okogerie
The Afikpo Nation Development Association (ANDA) has called on the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to urgently intervene in the lingering crisis affecting residents of Amasiri community, urging justice tempered with mercy and immediate relief for innocent citizens.
In a letter addressed to the governor at Government House, Abakaliki, the association condemned the violent incident reportedly linked to Amasiri and Okporojo in Oso Edda. The group urged relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible, while ensuring that law-abiding residents are not punished for the actions of a few individuals.
ANDA, a duly registered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission with its head office in Lagos, expressed concern that restrictions imposed on the affected community — including limitations on movement and the closure of schools, businesses, and health centres — have worsened hardship, particularly for vulnerable residents.
According to the statement, the presence of security personnel and the continued enforcement measures have significantly disrupted daily life and economic activities, thereby deepening the suffering of residents who were not involved in the conflict.
The association therefore urged Governor Nwifuru, in his capacity as Chief Security Officer of the state, to consider lifting the restrictions and redeploying security forces in a manner that would restore normalcy without compromising safety.
ANDA further recommended the establishment of an inclusive investigative committee comprising community leaders, security agencies, and relevant government officials from all affected areas. Such a committee, it said, would help uncover the root causes of the crisis and propose sustainable solutions capable of restoring peace, harmony, and coexistence.
While commending the governor for his previous timely interventions in security matters, the association expressed confidence in his leadership and appealed for swift action to prevent further escalation and ensure that residents can return to their normal lives.
The statement was jointly signed by the association’s Chairman, Chief (Engr.) Sixtus U. Nnachi, and General Secretary, Comrade Friday E. Okpani, who thanked the governor in advance for what they described as his anticipated fair and compassionate response.