An activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has petitioned the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) over what he described as illegal and unconstitutional actions taken by the Ebonyi State Government against Amasiri communities.
Idam, in a petition dated January 31, 2026, addressed to Governor Francis Nwifuru, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, and the CDS, warned that the state government’s decisions could escalate communal tension, trigger reprisals, and worsen insecurity in Ebonyi State if not urgently reversed.
The petition followed a viral statement allegedly issued by Governor Nwifuru, announcing the dismissal of all political appointees of Amasiri origin and the removal of traditional rulers from the affected communities.
According to the lawyer, the actions came after the mass arrest of Amasiri residents by military personnel, following allegations that individuals from the area attacked properties and residents of another Ebonyi community.
Idam condemned the move, describing it as “hasty, draconian and despotic,” arguing that it was based on unverified assumptions linked to past communal tensions, rather than a thorough investigation.
He stated that the collective punishment imposed on the communities amounted to a gross abuse of executive power, stressing that affected residents were neither investigated nor given a fair hearing.
The lawyer further noted that Amasiri communities currently have no active conflict with Oso residents, adding that leaders from Amasiri played a key role in promoting the December 2025 peace accord aimed at sustaining calm while awaiting a final government resolution.
Idam also pointed out that the alleged attack occurred during a culturally significant burial period observed in Amasiri communities between January 25 and 31, a time when residents are traditionally restricted from leaving their communities, raising questions about the allegations.
He warned that the government’s approach had heightened fear and uncertainty, limiting residents’ freedom of movement and disrupting economic activities due to concerns over possible state-backed actions.
According to him, failure to reverse the measures could deepen economic hardship, fuel political instability, and ignite a wider security crisis across Ebonyi State.
The lawyer called on the NSA and CDS to intervene by halting further military deployment in the affected areas and ensuring the immediate release of residents allegedly arrested from their homes and businesses.
He also urged the Ebonyi State Government to reinstate dismissed appointees of Amasiri extraction and restore the removed traditional rulers in the interest of peace, justice, and security.
“Only restraint, justice, and strict adherence to the rule of law can prevent a breakdown of order,” Idam warned.
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