The Amasiri Community of Afikpo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, has appealed the 72-hour ultimatum issued by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, directing the community to produce the severed heads of alleged victims and return persons reportedly abducted in connection with the recent violence in Edda.
“We state categorically, that Amasiri has no knowledge whatsoever of the alleged killings or abductions,” the community said in a statement. “The community neither participated in, facilitated, nor condoned any such acts.”
The community alleges that it has suffered significant losses, including the killing and abduction of its members, and has called for an independent investigation into the allegations.
“We are compelled to ask: Are Amasiri lives not entitled to equal protection under the law? Did the Governor of Ebonyi State not swear an oath to protect all citizens of the state without discrimination?” the statement read.
The community has also reported widespread human rights abuses, including assaults on senior citizens and humiliation of women, and has called for urgent federal and international intervention.
“We demand an impartial, transparent, and independent investigation into the allegations of killings, abductions, and the conduct of security forces in Amasiri, with a view to ensuring accountability and justice,” the community said
