By Sharon Akuboh, Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria — 6 March 2026
A human rights advocate and legal practitioner, Xavier Chinaecherem Mkpachi-Oko, has issued a strongly worded open letter to Idu Ighariwey, the Member of the House of Representatives representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, accusing him of failing to speak out amid an ongoing crisis affecting the Amasiri community in Ebonyi State.
In the letter dated March 6, 2026, Mkpachi-Oko alleged that the federal lawmaker has remained silent for more than a month while residents of Amasiri face what he described as “collective punishment” by the state government.
The lawmaker represents Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency in the National Assembly of Nigeria, located in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Allegations of Collective Punishment
According to the lawyer, the crisis in Amasiri has lasted for 34 days and includes a series of actions allegedly taken by authorities in Ebonyi State.
These actions reportedly include the arrest and removal of two traditional rulers, the dissolution of the Amasiri Development Centre, and the closure of schools and health facilities within the community.
Mkpachi-Oko further alleged that a near round-the-clock curfew was imposed on the community and that military personnel deployed to the area have been accused of harassment and excessive force against residents.
He also claimed that elderly women protesting the situation were dispersed with tear gas and that several residents have been arrested or have fled the community out of fear.
Cultural Heritage Concerns
The letter also raised concerns about the alleged destruction of traditional shrines and deities in Amasiri, which the author described as part of the community’s cultural heritage. According to the lawyer, the reported demolition began on March 5, 2026.
Mkpachi-Oko warned that the destruction of cultural sites could escalate tensions and further deepen the crisis.
Call for Political Action
In the letter, the lawyer urged Ighariwey to publicly address the situation and to use his constitutional authority as a federal legislator to investigate the actions taken against the community.
He referenced provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly sections relating to legislative oversight and protection of citizens’ rights.
Among the demands made were calls for the restoration of schools and hospitals in Amasiri, the release of individuals detained without charges, and the reinstatement of traditional rulers allegedly removed without due process.
Defection Rumours Raised
The letter also referenced rumours that Igariwey may have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, the political party of Francis Nwifuru, the Governor of Ebonyi State.
Mkpachi-Oko argued that if the rumour is true, the lawmaker should clarify his political status or seek a fresh mandate from voters.
Demand for Response
The lawyer concluded by demanding that the federal lawmaker publicly address the situation and defend the constitutional rights of the people of Amasiri.
Copies of the letter were reportedly sent to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, and several civil society groups and media organisations.
As of the time of filing this report, Idu Igariwey had not issued a public response to the allegations contained in the letter.
Efforts to reach him proved abortive.