…Civil society raises alarm over alleged extrajudicial killings, humanitarian distress
By Chinedu Adonu
Civil society organisations and concerned groups have issued an urgent appeal to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of security personnel deployed to Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area.
The appeal follows disturbing reports of worsening humanitarian conditions, alleged extrajudicial killings and other excesses by security operatives enforcing a 20-hour curfew in the area.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu, the leader of Advocacy for Good Governance, Comrade Onyedika Agbo, lamented that the joint security task force deployed to Amasiri on January 30 to restore order has failed to achieve its objective.
According to him, the operation has been characterised by serious human rights abuses, including alleged extrajudicial killings, burning of homes, destruction of farm produce valued at millions of naira, and the mass displacement of residents.
Agbo said residents of Amasiri accused the security agencies of showing preferential treatment to neighbouring Edda community, rather than pursuing a fair and lasting solution to restore peace and harmony between the two communities.
“The initial hope of the people that the presence of security forces would bring safety has now been replaced with fear, trauma and a total breakdown of trust,” he stated.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that women, children and the elderly have fled their homes and are currently taking refuge in nearby bushes, citing the conduct of security personnel and the destruction of their means of livelihood.
Critics have described the alleged actions as collective punishment and excessive use of force against unarmed civilians, including peaceful protesters. There are also troubling reports of civilian deaths and injuries, raising serious human rights concerns.
The groups noted that the core responsibility of security agencies is to protect lives and property and act with neutrality. However, they alleged that the situation in Amasiri reflects the opposite—fear, destruction and suffering—thereby eroding public trust and the social contract.
They further warned that the prolonged curfew and movement restrictions are worsening the plight of vulnerable groups, particularly residents in need of urgent medical attention.
Questioning the rationale behind the continued security deployment, the groups called for an immediate independent investigation by the National Human Rights Commission to document alleged abuses and ensure accountability.
They also appealed for unrestricted humanitarian access to Amasiri, urging authorities to allow media practitioners and humanitarian organisations safe passage to assess conditions and provide relief to displaced persons.
According to them, visits by local and international media would help draw national and global attention to the plight of Amasiri residents and accelerate urgent intervention.
