The people of Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State are reportedly grappling with a deepening crisis marked by lingering communal tensions and an escalating humanitarian situation, which civil society organizations and concerned groups have alleged was worsened by the conduct of security operatives deployed to the area.
According to the groups, a joint security task force was deployed to Amasiri on January 30 to enforce a 20-hour curfew aimed at restoring calm. However, residents now allege that the operation has been accompanied by grave security excesses, including claims of extrajudicial killings, the burning of homes, and the destruction of farm produce allegedly worth hundreds of millions of naira.
Community members said that while the establishment of a military base initially gave them hope of protection and stability, the situation has since deteriorated. They allege that ongoing operations have instead resulted in widespread fear and displacement, with women, children, and elderly persons reportedly forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in surrounding bushes. Critics of the operation argue that the actions amount to collective punishment of civilians.
In a joint statement, the concerned groups stressed that the fundamental duty of security forces is to maintain peace, protect lives and property, and remain neutral in the discharge of their responsibilities. They lamented that residents are instead witnessing the destruction of livelihoods and the alleged shooting of unarmed civilians, including women said to have been engaged in peaceful protests. The groups warned that when security institutions meant to protect citizens are perceived as sources of harm, public trust and the social contract are severely undermined.
Reports emerging from the community within the last 72 hours point to extensive destruction of residential buildings and the alleged systematic burning of stored farm produce, raising fears of an impending food crisis. There are also claims of civilian deaths and serious injuries among non-combatants, alongside allegations of excessive force used against peaceful demonstrators. In addition, the prolonged enforcement of the 20-hour curfew is said to be restricting movement without adequate consideration for sick and elderly residents who require urgent medical care.
The groups have therefore called on the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to urgently order a thorough investigation into the alleged conduct of the deployed security personnel. They cautioned that continued silence from authorities while the community suffers could be interpreted as tacit approval of the situation.
They further questioned the purpose of the security deployment if civilian lives and property are not adequately safeguarded, and demanded an immediate, independent probe by the National Human Rights Commission to document the alleged abuses and ensure accountability where necessary.
The groups also appealed for unrestricted humanitarian access to Amasiri, urging that the media and humanitarian organizations be granted safe passage to independently assess conditions on the ground and provide relief to displaced residents. They concluded by calling on local and international media to visit the community, insisting that the plight of Amasiri deserves urgent national and global attention.
