Tensions have escalated in the Amasiri community, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as residents raise alarm over an alleged military invasion in the wake of a renewed land conflict with neighboring Osso Edda community.
A human rights lawyer and indigene of the area, Barrister Maduabuchi Idam, has publicly condemned what he described as an “unwarranted military presence” in the community. He expressed concern that the deployment of armed personnel may lead to indiscriminate attacks on residents, thereby worsening the already volatile situation.
“The presence of military personnel in Amasiri is causing fear and panic,” Idam stated. “This deployment, if not checked, may result in unprovoked attacks on innocent citizens. The community is not a war zone, and such actions can deepen the conflict rather than resolve it.”
The legal practitioner has appealed to the Chief of Army Staff and the Commander of the Nkwegu Military Cantonment to immediately withdraw troops from the area and allow peacekeeping measures to take a more civil approach. He also called on Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene and mediate in the longstanding boundary dispute between Amasiri and Edda.
This development comes just days after renewed violence reportedly claimed the lives of four people during clashes between Ndukwe, a part of the Amasiri community, and Okporojo in Osso Edda. Several properties were also said to have been destroyed, forcing many residents to flee for safety.
In response to the crisis, security operatives have been deployed to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed. However, community leaders warn that without addressing the root causes of the conflict—primarily land ownership and boundary disagreements—long-term peace remains uncertain.
Local authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the alleged military invasion, but efforts are reportedly ongoing to facilitate dialogue between both communities.
As the situation unfolds, residents and stakeholders are calling for calm and a swift government response to avoid further escalation.
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