By Sharon Akuboh and Jasmine Okogeri
Since January 31st, 2026, life in Amasiri Ekuma Ubagala, has come to a standstill, or better still halt. A once vibrant communities, has been brought into prolonged hardship, with daily activities disrupted and the people left to bear the weight of decisions beyond their control.
Lives have been tragically lost—infants, women, senior citizens, and youths. These losses have left deep wounds in our communities, and the pain is one we continue to carry each day, not knowing when this horror movie will end.
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It is deeply concerning that the state government’s hard stance has fallen so heavily on Amasiri, while neighboring Edda continues to operate with relative freedom. Fairness and justice are the foundations of good governance, and there must be consistency in how policies are applied. When one community is restricted while another is not, it raises serious questions that deserve honest reflection and urgent attention.
We must also place on record that Amasiri has not remained silent. There have been repeated petitions and complaints to the appropriate authorities regarding the abduction of Amasiri people, the loss of lives, and continued attacks allegedly carried out against our community by Edda people, who even have a barricade on a federal Highway and stop cars to seek out and torment Amasiri people.
Sadly, these cries for help have not received the attention they deserve. It has often felt as though our voices have gone unheard, and our pain overlooked.
In the interest of justice and transparency, we call on the state government to set up an independent panel to thoroughly investigate the killings in Edda for which Amasiri is unjustly sanctioned. And also investigate all the petitions by Amasiri against Edda, for killing Amasiri people.
Amasiri maintains its innocence and believes that only a fair and unbiased inquiry can establish the truth and bring justice to all affected.
We also respectfully request the immediate release of our two Ezeogos, our coordinator, and the youths currently in detention, as we strongly believe they are innocent of the allegations against them. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
Amasiri is not asking for special treatment—only for fairness, protection, and the opportunity to return to normal life. The continued closure of hospitals, markets, and schools has placed immense strain on families. Access to healthcare has been limited, livelihoods have been disrupted, and the education of our children has been put on hold.
Our people are resilient, but resilience should not be tested indefinitely. It is time for a balanced and compassionate approach—one that prioritizes peace, dialogue, and the restoration of everyday life for all affected communities.
We call on the authorities to reconsider their position, to engage sincerely with the people of Amasiri, and to ensure that justice and equity prevail. Let normalcy be restored. Let our hospitals reopen to save lives, our markets to sustain families, and our schools to secure the future of our children.
Amasiri stands ready for peace, progress, and unity. As a community that plays a vital role in Ebonyi State—contributing significantly as one of the highest generators of internally generated revenue (IGR)—it is only just that Amasiri is given the attention, fairness, and support it deserves.
Finally the soldiers and security operatives inside Amasiri should go to the borders between Edda and Afikpo LGA. Because both Oso and Okporo Ujo parcels of land currently unjustly inhabited by Edda belongs to Amasiri People.
Let Amasiri live, work, and thrive again. That’s all we ask for.
