By Amadi Omeri Derek 19/6/25
Amasiri, Ebonyi State – Tension is once again brewing in the Amasiri community of Afikpo North Local Government Area following the abduction of a retired soldier and his wife by suspected members of the Edda militia group. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday 18th June, 2025 , near the volatile boundary between Amasiri and Edda communities, where land-related hostilities have escalated in recent months.
According to the son who escaped, the victims Mr Uwa Okonko, a retired military officer, his wife and son had gone to their farmland in the outskirts of Amasiri (Ozara Ohaechara) to harvest cassava when they were forcefully taken by armed men alleged to be affiliated with the Edda militia group. The son who escaped say the couple was accosted in broad daylight and taken towards the Edda axis, deepening fears over worsening insecurity in the area.
A relative of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed deep concern over the lack of action from security agencies. “They just went to the farm like they always do. We got word from other farmers who saw the armed men march them away. This is not the first time this kind of thing has happened. We live in fear every day,” he said.
The abduction is the latest in a string of violent incidents tied to the long-standing land dispute between Amasiri and neighbouring Edda communities. In recent months, residents have reported increasing cases of armed incursions, harassment, and now kidnapping—raising alarms about the breakdown of peace and order along the disputed boundary.
The people of Amauzu Ezeke, the entire Amasiri and civil society groups are calling on the Ebonyi State Government and the Nigerian security forces to take swift and decisive action.
“We are tired of burying our people and living under constant threats. The government must treat this abduction with urgency and not wait until more lives are lost,” said a community elder in Amasiri during a press briefing.
We are making efforts to reach the Ebonyi State Police Command for official comment on the matter. However, community members insist that the pattern of violence bears the signature of the same militia group that has been operating with impunity around the borderlands.
As the search for the abducted couple continues, anxiety and anger are spreading among residents of Amasiri who are demanding justice, protection, and lasting peace.
The state and federal governments are being urged to intervene immediately to secure the release of the victims, restore peace to the region, and bring those responsible to justice.
