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By Gabriel Ameh
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State — February 2026
The Ebonyi State Government is facing serious allegations from leaders of the Amasiri Clan in Afikpo Local Government Area, who have accused Governor Francis Ogbonna Erishi Nwifuru of overseeing actions they describe as “genocide” against their people following a recent security operation in the area.
At a World Press Conference addressed by Princess Joy Idam on behalf of the clan, Amasiri representatives claimed that what began as an allegation linking some individuals to a murder in neighbouring Oso community in Edda LGA escalated into what they described as a full-scale military invasion of civilian settlements, closure of public institutions, and administrative sanctions affecting people of Amasiri origin.
The community alleged that schools, markets, churches, and economic activities were shut down, while several residents were arrested and displaced. They also claimed that traditional rulers, town union executives, and village heads in Amasiri were dissolved without due process, leaving the community without local leadership.
Amasiri leaders further alleged that students and civil servants of Amasiri origin in Abakaliki were asked to identify themselves and faced restrictions, including alleged denial of examination registration for pupils and access challenges for students in tertiary institutions.
“These actions amount to collective punishment of innocent civilians for an allegation that has not been investigated,” Princess Idam said.
Government’s Security Mandate
While the Ebonyi State Government has not issued a formal response to the specific allegations as of press time, observers note that state authorities often justify security deployments as necessary measures to prevent escalation of violence, especially in areas with a history of boundary disputes and communal tension.
The murder incident in Oso community, which reportedly triggered heightened security attention, has raised tensions in the region. Security agencies are yet to publicly outline the operational details or confirm the scope of actions taken in Amasiri.
Boundary Dispute Context
Amasiri leaders linked the crisis to a long-standing boundary disagreement with Oso over land known as Okporo-Ijo. They referenced a 2003 government White Paper which they say resolved the matter, as well as a December 2025 peace agreement between both communities to allow for boundary demarcation.
They allege that repeated delays in implementing the demarcation contributed to rising tension before the recent incident.
Call for Independent Investigation
The Amasiri Clan is calling on the National Human Rights Commission, the Chief of Army Staff, and international human rights organizations to investigate the situation and ensure restoration of normalcy.
They insist they are law-abiding citizens and should not be treated as enemies of the state over allegations involving unidentified individuals.
Awaiting Official Response
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Ebonyi State Government and security authorities were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Analysts say the situation underscores the need for transparency, independent investigation, and dialogue to balance security concerns with the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
For now, the narrative remains contested between community allegations and the yet-to-be-stated official position of the state authorities.
