By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja — Princess Joy Omagha Idam, a prominent Amasiri community advocate and publisher of Weekenders Magazine, has publicly challenged recent remarks by Hon. Chinedu Ogah dismissing allegations of excessive force and human rights violations in Amasiri.
In a statement, Princess Idam condemned descriptions of the suffering in Amasiri as “baseless” or “spurious,” citing mass displacement, deaths, destruction of homes, prolonged curfews, and the closure of schools and hospitals as evidence of the community’s ongoing hardships.
She stressed that the allegations of genocide were not politically motivated but stem from observable patterns of actions and inactions that disproportionately affected Amasiri residents.
“The public deserves clarity,” Princess Idam said, calling for transparency on whether investigative panels were constituted, whether findings were made public, and if perpetrators were held accountable irrespective of affiliation.
While acknowledging development initiatives such as scholarships and infrastructure projects, she emphasized that these cannot substitute for justice. “True peace is not merely the absence of open clashes; it is the presence of justice, restitution, and restored trust in leadership,” she noted.
Princess Idam outlined specific demands for the Amasiri community, including:
An independent and transparent investigation into all alleged excesses.
Public accountability from government officials.
Fair resolution of the conflict, including restoration of destroyed properties.
Guarantees against disproportionate use of force.
Immediate demarcation of disputed areas and reopening of schools and hospitals.
She also questioned the proportionality of government responses, citing comparisons with other communal conflicts in the state, where similar measures were not imposed.
Reports indicate that over 30 deaths have been recorded, thousands of residents remain displaced, and economic activity continues amid the community’s ongoing restrictions, deepening local grievances.
Princess Idam concluded that the state owes Amasiri accountability and reconciliation, urging authorities to prioritize justice, fairness, and protection of citizens over political denial.
Contact: Princess Joy Omagha Idam – 09024563804
