By Staff Reporter
Abuja Ebonyi State — The Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has appealed a 72-hour ultimatum issued by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, denying allegations of killings and abductions linked to recent violence in neighbouring Edda and accusing security forces of widespread human rights violations.
In a statement signed by Princess Joy Omagha Idam, spokesperson for the Amasiri communities, the group said it had “no knowledge whatsoever” of the alleged killings or abductions and insisted it neither participated in nor condoned any such acts.
The community described the ultimatum—directing Amasiri to produce severed heads of alleged victims and return reportedly abducted persons—as unconstitutional and a form of collective punishment prohibited under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
According to the statement, Amasiri has itself suffered casualties, including killings, abductions, and displacement of residents. Among those reportedly abducted is a retired Nigerian Army warrant officer, Chukwu Charles, alongside his wife, Patricia Chukwu Charles, and a third individual identified as a woman from Ugwulangwu who was said to have escaped death. Their whereabouts, the community said, remain unknown.
The community also alleged that ongoing security operations have resulted in abuses against civilians, including assaults on elderly residents and the flogging and humiliation of women, actions it said amount to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment under Section 34 of the Constitution and international human rights treaties.
Amasiri further warned of humanitarian consequences, saying children have been unable to attend school or sit for key examinations, including the Common Entrance Examination and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC), due to the security situation.
The statement listed several incidents it said had been previously reported without justice being served. It alleged that six persons were abducted and killed on January 20, 2025: Sunday Oko Akwa; Oko Akpu Egele; Christian Enya; Agha Oko; Itoro Essien; and Monday Abang. Two additional persons—Obinna Oko Eze of Amaukwa Ndukwe and Emmanuel Okpara of Agbo-ezi Ihie Elu—were reportedly abducted and killed on April 2, 2025, in Ozaraokangwu.
Other cases cited include the killing of an electrician, Mr. Monday Ogbonnia of Uhere Ohaechara, on August 26, 2025, at a rice farm in Ihubeni, and the death of Mr. Ndubuisi Agha Ukpai of Ezi Idam Ali Amaegbu Ezeke, who was allegedly shot by soldiers deployed to Amasiri on February 3, 2026, and later died from excessive bleeding after access to medical care was blocked.
- Onyenuchie Ndu Ugo(killed last year)
- Nnachi Ndukwe (killed 2024)
- Mr. Orie Ịnya Nnachi(killed last year)
- Maduabuchi P. Okoude (a.ka.Bundle. he killed November 2025)
- Mrs. Angela Ikechukwu Elem (killed November 2025)
Questioning the state government’s approach, the community asked whether Amasiri lives were not entitled to equal protection under the law and urged transparency regarding what it described as undisclosed interests in Amasiri land, noting the area’s reputation as a high revenue-generating community.
The Amasiri community called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff, the Minister of Defence, and the National Boundaries Commission to intervene, seeking an impartial and independent investigation into the allegations and the conduct of security forces.
While reaffirming its commitment to peace and the rule of law, the community said it would not accept intimidation or collective punishment and appealed to both Nigerian authorities and the international community to act to protect civilians and restore peace based on justice and accountability.