By Media360impact
The spokesperson of the Amasiri community in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Princess Joy Omagha Idam, has raised concerns over recent actions by the state government following the ongoing crisis involving Amasiri and neighbouring communities.
Speaking in an interview with Media360Impact, Idam questioned the practicality of a newly announced 19-member committee set up by the Ebonyi State Government to demarcate disputed land boundaries.
According to her, the committee was announced after a security meeting convened by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, but she argued that the process may face challenges because several key leaders of the Amasiri community are currently in detention or displaced.
She stated that two traditional rulers and other community leaders were arrested or removed from their positions earlier in the crisis, while executives of the Amasiri Town Union reportedly fled the area for safety.
“If the committee is to determine where Amasiri land begins and ends, who will guide them when our kings and community leaders are in detention?” she asked.
Concerns Over Leadership Dissolution
Idam also criticised the decision she said led to the dissolution of local leadership structures in Amasiri, including political appointees, traditional leadership, and town union executives.
She argued that this development raises questions about who represented Amasiri during the government’s recent stakeholder engagement on the dispute.
According to her, the removal of community leadership structures has left the area without functional representation at a time when major decisions affecting the land dispute are being made.
Objection to Planned Destruction of Shrines
Another point of contention raised by the community spokesperson was a directive she said emerged from the state’s security meeting ordering the identification and destruction of shrines and traditional deities in the area.
Idam described the directive as troubling, noting that shrines and traditional sites form part of the cultural heritage of many Nigerian communities.
She argued that such actions could undermine constitutionally protected freedom of religion and traditional practices, adding that traditional artifacts represent the cultural identity of the community.
Allegations of Unequal Treatment
The Amasiri spokesperson further alleged that government actions appeared to disproportionately target Amasiri despite the dispute involving multiple communities.
She claimed that economic activities in the community have been severely disrupted for over a month, with markets and hospitals reportedly closed during the security clampdown.
Idam also alleged that several lives have been lost in the crisis and called on the state government to ensure fairness and protection for all affected communities.
Call for Political Representation
Idam also expressed disappointment over the silence of the federal lawmaker representing the area, Iduma Igariwey, whom she said had not publicly addressed the situation.
She urged political representatives to speak up on issues affecting their constituents, particularly during periods of conflict and humanitarian concern.
Community Position
Despite the tensions, the Amasiri spokesperson maintained that the community remains united and is calling for fair mediation, transparent land demarcation, and equal treatment of all parties involved in the dispute.
She urged authorities to pursue peaceful dialogue and ensure that justice and due process guide the resolution of the conflict.
Media360Impact reports that tensions surrounding land ownership and boundary disputes have affected several communities in Afikpo North Local Government Area in recent weeks. Authorities in Ebonyi State are yet to publicly respond to the latest concerns raised by the Amasiri community spokesperson.
