Appeal for Mercy as Community Group Urges Governor’s Intervention Over Amasiri Crisis
A concerned socio-cultural association from Afikpo Local Government Area in Ebonyi State has appealed to Governor Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru to urgently intervene in the lingering crisis affecting residents of Amasiri community, calling for justice tempered with mercy and immediate relief for innocent citizens.
In a statement addressed to the governor at Government House, Abakaliki, the group condemned the violent incident reportedly linked to Okporojo and Oso Edda, urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible while ensuring that law-abiding residents are not punished for the actions of a few individuals.
The association, described as a duly registered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission, expressed concern that restrictions imposed on the affected community, including limitations on movement and the closure of schools, businesses, and health centres, have worsened hardship, particularly for vulnerable residents.
According to the statement, the presence of security personnel and continued enforcement measures have disrupted daily life and economic activities, thereby deepening the suffering of residents who were not involved in the conflict.
The group therefore urged the governor, in his capacity as Chief Security Officer of the state, to consider lifting the restrictions and redeploying security forces in a manner that would restore normalcy without compromising safety.
They further recommended the establishment of an inclusive investigative committee comprising community leaders, security agencies, and relevant government officials from all affected areas. Such a committee, they said, would help uncover the root causes of the crisis and propose sustainable solutions capable of restoring peace, harmony, and coexistence.
While commending the governor for previous timely interventions in security matters, the association expressed confidence in his leadership and appealed for swift action to prevent further escalation and ensure that residents can return to their normal lives.
The statement was jointly signed by the association’s Chairman, Chief (Engr.) Sixtus U. Nnachi and General Secretary, Comrade Friday E. Okpani, who thanked the governor in advance for what they described as his anticipated fair and compassionate response.
