By Our Reporter
Amasiri community, Ebonyi State — Tension continues to rise in Amasiri as residents recount troubling incidents on the third day of the ongoing military operation in the area, described by authorities as a peacekeeping mission.
According to multiple local sources, a tailoring shop located within one of the clans in Amasiri was allegedly broken into by soldiers during a search for youths believed to be involved in the ongoing unrest. Whom until today there is no video or evidence that the hideous crime was committed by Amasiri youths.
The shop, which witnesses say was locked at the time, is said to belong to a member of the community near one of the Ogo.
Residents allege that the shop was forcibly opened under the pretext of searching for youths, but no suspects were found inside. Instead, personal property and tailoring equipment were reportedly vandalized, leaving the shop owner counting losses.
Community members have expressed deep concern over the incident, questioning whether such actions align with the stated goal of restoring Peace. Was there unrest in Amasiri some queried.
“If this is Peacekeeping, why break into a locked shop and destroy a person’s means of livelihood?” a resident asked. “We are not at war with the government.”
This incident adds to growing complaints from locals who say the military presence has brought fear rather than reassurance. Residents allege harassment, intimidation, and destruction of property since the operation began, raising serious questions about rules of engagement and civilian protection. If army should come at all they should station at border line of Oso – Amasiri.
Critics of the operation have also directed blame at the state government, accusing the governor of deploying the military in a manner that has worsened the situation rather than calming it. They argue that the use of armed soldiers in a civilian dispute has led to unnecessary suffering for law-abiding residents of Amasiri, who are peaceful.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ebonyi State Government nor military authorities have issued an official statement addressing the alleged vandalism or clarifying the scope of the operation in Amasiri.
The Army also burnt Bags of Rice belonging to Women at a Rice Mill at Amasiri is this also part of what they were sent to do.
Community leaders are now calling for an independent investigation into the conduct of the soldiers involved and are urging the government to adopt dialogue and lawful policing methods instead of military force.
The situation in Amasiri remains tense, with residents calling for accountability, restraint, and genuine peacebuilding efforts.
Weekenders Magazine is Calling on the world to see the kind of mayhem unleashed on Amasiri over a land that clearly belongs to Amasiri. We keep praying for Amasiri and her indigenes. Even this shall pass.