Dear Hon. Chinedu Ogah,
Your recent dismissal of the genocide allegations concerning the military invasion of Amasiri necessitates a clear and factual response.
The people of Amasiri have endured grave hardship arising from the handling of the communal crisis under the administration of Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. To describe the suffering, displacement, loss of lives, destruction of homes, prolonged curfews, and closure of schools and hospitals as “baseless” or “spurious” is to diminish the lived reality of an entire community and a people.
The allegation of genocide was not made for political theatrics. It arises from observable patterns of actions and inactions that have disproportionately impacted Amasiri. When security interventions lead to civilian casualties, mass displacement, economic strangulation, and prolonged trauma without transparent accountability, citizens have every right to question governance decisions.
If investigative panels were indeed constituted, the public deserves clarity:
Were the findings made public?
Why the rush to delineate Amasiri?
What became of the numerous petitions filed by Amasiri over the years that reportedly received no response?
Were victims consulted?
Were perpetrators held accountable irrespective of affiliation?
Why did the measures imposed appear punitive to one side of the conflict?
You state that peace has “largely returned.” Which peace? When over a million people have reportedly fled their homes and residents cannot move freely, can that truly be described as peace?
True peace is not merely the absence of open clashes; it is the presence of justice, restitution, and restored trust in leadership.
While scholarship programmes, infrastructure projects, and empowerment initiatives may be commendable, they do not invalidate the grievances of a community that believes it has been unfairly treated — particularly one said to be among the highest revenue contributors to the state. Development cannot substitute for justice.
Calls for apology should not target those raising concerns but should focus on ensuring transparent investigations into all alleged excesses. Rather than dismiss concerned voices, a more constructive path would be to invite independent observers, civil society organisations, human rights bodies, and the National Boundary Commission to review official maps and documentation relating to the disputed areas.
Leadership requires not only defending an administration but listening attentively to the pain of constituents — especially those one has sworn to represent and protect.
The people of Amasiri deserve:
An independent investigation
Public accountability
Fair and transparent conflict resolution
Restoration of destroyed properties reportedly worth billions
Guarantees against disproportionate use of force
Immediate demarcation of disputed areas
We acknowledge the relaxation of the curfew, but partial relief is not enough. Schools and hospitals remain closed. Security forces, if deployed, should secure educational institutions and healthcare facilities to enable children to return to school and medical services to resume.
Reports indicate that over 30 deaths have been recorded, widespread displacement has occurred, and Amasiri remains largely deserted. Meanwhile, economic activities such as quarry operations reportedly continue. These contradictions deepen community grievances.
You referenced prior land disputes involving other communities. In those cases, were schools shut down? Were hospitals closed? Were government appointees removed? Were soldiers stationed for extended periods with similar sanctions imposed? These are legitimate questions deserving answers.
Even in the conflict involving Effium and Ezza Effium, Izzi and Ikwo, where significant casualties were recorded on both sides, was the response identical in scope and severity to what Amasiri has experienced?
Relaxing a curfew without fully lifting restrictions — whose interest does that ultimately serve? Where schools and hospitals remain shut.
No amount of denial can erase the present condition of Amasiri, which many describe as a ghost town. Allegations of ongoing arrests, destruction of property, and damage to cultural relics cannot simply be wished away. A posture of denial would only compound the crisis.
This is not about political rivalry. It is about justice, dignity, fairness, and the protection of citizens — including the people of Amasiri.
The state owes Amasiri not dismissal, but accountability and reconciliation.
Respectfully,
Princess Joy Omagha Idam
Publisher, Weekenders Magazine
Concerned Daughter of Amasiri
09024563804