Amasiri Crisis: Residents flee amid security operations, civil society urges Gov Nwifuru to restore peace

2026-02-10 - 17:59

...Civil society calls for investigation and humanitarian support By Chinedu Adonu Civil society organisations and concerned groups have appealed to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, to investigate the conduct of security personnel deployed to Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area. The appeal follows reports of humanitarian challenges in the area, including residents fleeing their homes during the enforcement of a 20-hour curfew. Speaking in Enugu, the leader of Advocacy for Good Governance, Comrade Onyedika Agbo, said the joint security task force deployed to Amasiri on January 30 has not yet restored normalcy, and that the presence of security personnel has caused fear and disruption among some residents. According to Agbo, residents reported the destruction of property and displacement of families, while also expressing concerns over the perceived uneven treatment of neighbouring communities. Eyewitness accounts indicate that women, children and the elderly have temporarily left their homes, seeking refuge in nearby areas due to movement restrictions and disruption of livelihoods. The civil society groups called for an independent investigation by the National Human Rights Commission to document conditions on the ground and ensure accountability. They also appealed for unhindered access for humanitarian organisations and media personnel to provide relief and report on developments. “Visits by local and international media will help draw attention to the situation in Amasiri and support timely intervention,” the groups said. Reacting to the allegations, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, stated that troops were deployed to enforce the curfew declared by the governor and protect lives and property. He explained that security forces were responding to reports of violent incidents, including the discovery of graves and prior killings in nearby areas. Lt. Col. Ayeni emphasised that the operation aimed to safeguard residents, support investigations, and manage humanitarian needs, rather than harass the community. “The intervention of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in Amasiri is to restore order, protect lives, support medical teams, and manage the humanitarian implications of the crisis,” he said.