By Joy Omagha Idam
The Amasiri Ekuma Ubaghala Autonomous Community of Afikpo LGA, Ebonyi State, is a community of warriors, known for their peace-loving nature, hospitality, and hard work. For centuries, they have excelled in various fields and are trailblazers worldwide.
Their reputation as warriors and their commitment to peace led neighboring communities, including Akeze, Igbere, and Mpu, to sign a blood covenant, pledging never to harm each other. This covenant was born out of respect for the Amasiri people, who, despite their peaceful nature, would fiercely defend themselves if provoked.
According to Pa Chukwu Idam Chukwu, a legendary sage and the author’s father, the Edda people initially approached the Amasiri community to request permission to farm and hunt on their land. The Amasiri people, being hospitable, agreed to this request. However, over time, the Edda people’s requests escalated, and they began to build permanent structures on Amasiri land, eventually leading to disputes over land ownership.
The situation has been further complicated by the unwarranted killings of Amasiri people, which have gone unpunished despite repeated promises from the government to take action. This lack of accountability has emboldened the Edda people, who continue to attack Amasiri communities, particularly during farming seasons.
It is disheartening that despite the Amasiri community’s significant contributions to the development of Ebonyi State, their concerns have been ignored, and they have been subjected to injustice. A recent video showing a young Amasiri man being shot in the leg by military personnel brought to maintain peace has sparked outrage.
The Amasiri community is calling on the state government and National boundaries Commission to do the needful. We are calling on the state and federal governments, through the National Boundaries Commission, to take immediate action to resolve the issue. “We AMASIRI community are determined to defend and protect our land, and we will not be intimidated or silenced”.
The Amasiri people are urging those unfamiliar with their history to educate themselves on the matter. They are putting the Edda people on notice, warning them that their silence should not be mistaken for weakness. The time for action is now, and the Amasiri community will not fold their hands and watch their sons and daughters being killed by the Edda people. Enough is enough.
Truth has to be told that the amasiri people peaceful nature is being mistaken, they want history to repeat itself… Something has to be done very urgent by the government before it too late..