The once-peaceful Amasiri community in the Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State is gripped by fear, as residents issue an urgent plea to both the state and federal governments for intervention. The community is raising alarm over a disturbing surge in abductions and armed harassment, allegedly perpetrated by a militia group from the neighboring Edda community in Afikpo South LGA.

 

The latest incident, which has heightened tensions, involves the reported abduction of a retired Nigerian soldier, Mr. Uwa Okonko, and his wife. The couple was reportedly intercepted and taken by suspected members of the Edda militia while en route to harvest cassava from their farm, located near the volatile Amasiri-Edda boundary. Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of a militia operating with increasing boldness and impunity in the region.

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Community members emphasize that this is not an isolated event. Numerous other Amasiri residents have reportedly been abducted, subjected to threats, or forced to abandon their farmlands due to persistent attacks and the pervasive fear of violence. Compounding their woes, the Amasiri community reports that the Edda militia is now openly stopping and searching vehicles along the major highway connecting Ebonyi State and Abia State. This act, described by locals as “illegal, criminal, and a direct threat to public safety,” underscores the militia’s escalating control and disregard for law and order.

 

“We are living in fear. Our people can no longer go to their farms. The abduction of our brother, a retired soldier Mr. Uwa Okonko, his wife, and several others, is a clear act of terrorism. We demand the immediate intervention of the state government, security agencies, and even the Presidency if necessary,” stated Chief Monday Ude, a prominent local leader in Amasiri, his voice laced with desperation.

 

Deep concerns are mounting among community leaders who claim that despite numerous reports to relevant authorities, concrete actions to curb the excesses of the militia group have been conspicuously absent. Many in Amasiri believe that the escalating violence is rooted in a long-standing land dispute between Amasiri and Edda, which has now tragically devolved into outright lawlessness and criminal acts.

 

In a bid to restore peace, the youths and elders of Amasiri have penned several urgent letters, specifically appealing to Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Nigerian Police Force. Their fervent request is for the immediate deployment of more security personnel to the troubled region and a thorough investigation aimed at bringing the perpetrators of these attacks to justice.

 

“We are law-abiding citizens. We believe in peaceful coexistence, but we cannot fold our arms and watch our people being kidnapped and intimidated on their own land,” asserted Mrs. Esther Nwachi, a women’s leader within the community, echoing the sentiment of many.

 

Amasiri residents are specifically appealing for the establishment of a dedicated military checkpoint in the area. They are also demanding that security operatives launch a comprehensive investigation into the identity and activities of the armed group believed to be operating with impunity.

 

As tension continues to mount, there is a palpable fear that without prompt and decisive government intervention, the current insecurity could swiftly spiral into a larger, devastating communal crisis, jeopardizing countless lives and threatening the fragile stability of the entire Afikpo region.

 

The people of Amasiri hold onto the hope that with swift government action, peace and security can be restored to their homeland, and their abducted loved ones returned home safely.