By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — A human rights lawyer and indigene of Amasiri community in Ebonyi State, Xavier Chinaecherem Mkpachi-Oko, has issued a strongly worded open letter to the member representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, Hon. Idu Ighariwey, accusing the lawmaker of remaining silent over what he described as alleged collective punishment and rights violations in the community.
In the letter dated March 6, 2026, Mkpachi-Oko said the Amasiri community has endured more than a month of what he called “administrative and security actions” allegedly carried out by the Ebonyi State Government, including arrests, curfews and the shutdown of public services.
The lawyer expressed concern that the federal lawmaker had not publicly addressed the situation.
“Thirty-four days have passed while the people of Amasiri face actions that affect schools, healthcare services and community leadership structures. Yet their elected representative has remained silent,” he wrote.
Allegations of Collective Measures
Mkpachi-Oko listed a number of actions he claimed have affected the community, including the alleged dethronement and detention of two traditional rulers, dissolution of the Amasiri Development Centre leadership, and the shutdown of schools and health facilities.
He also alleged that a strict curfew has been imposed on the area and that some residents, including youths, have reportedly fled the community due to security concerns.
According to him, several individuals were allegedly detained while others have reportedly gone missing.
The lawyer further claimed that protests by elderly women in the community were dispersed with tear gas and that some residents experienced harassment during security operations.
Concerns Over Cultural Heritage
The open letter also raised alarm over reports that traditional shrines and deities in Amasiri may have been destroyed as part of the ongoing crisis.
Mkpachi-Oko described such actions as “cultural desecration” and warned that the destruction of cultural heritage could deepen tensions within the community.
He urged authorities to respect cultural institutions and ensure that any law-enforcement actions follow constitutional procedures.
Call for Legislative Intervention
In the letter, the lawyer urged Hon. Ighariwey to publicly address the situation and use his constitutional powers in the National Assembly to investigate the alleged actions.
He cited provisions of the Nigerian Constitution that empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations into the execution and administration of laws.
Mkpachi-Oko called on the lawmaker to demand the restoration of schools, health facilities and public services in the community, as well as due process in handling arrests and detentions.
Political Speculation Raised
The lawyer also referenced rumours that the federal lawmaker may have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He urged the legislator to clarify his political status and address concerns raised by constituents.
Demand for Response
The open letter concluded with a demand for immediate intervention and public clarification from the lawmaker.
Mkpachi-Oko argued that elected representatives have a constitutional responsibility to defend the rights of their constituents.
Copies of the letter were reportedly sent to the National Assembly leadership, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and media outlets.
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Idu Ighariwey and the Ebonyi State Government had not publicly responded to the allegations raised in the letter.
