Amasiri in Diaspora appeal to Ebonyi gov to implement Tinubu’s

By Bianca Iboma -Emefu

Tension is mounting over the protracted crisis in Amasiri community, Ebonyi State, as Amasiri Traders in Diaspora have prevailed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to implement President Bola Tinubu appeal to intervene in the crisis in the area.

President Tinubu had directed the government to show restraint and compassion in decision taking and to relax the curfew in the community. The group alleged that, 32 days after the President’s intervention, the state government has failed to ease restrictions on the community, worsening what they describe as a deepening humanitarian emergency.

At an interfaith fast with governors held at the Presidential Villa ,Abuja, on February 23, 2026, Tinubu had reportedly urged the Ebonyi governor to reconsider his approach to the crisis.

The President was quoted as saying,“I have read about the crisis in your State. Temper justice with mercy”.However, Amasiri stakeholders had alleged that the appeal by Tinubu has been ignored.

In a statement, Chairman Edwin Okpara and Secretary, Agwu Abraham Aleke, the group accused the governor of imposing measures that have “suffocated” the community, alleging that residents,particularly the elderly—have borne the brunt of the prolonged curfew and security clampdown.

“The Amasiri traders described the prolonged imposition of curfew by Ebonyi State Governor,Francis Nwifuru as unjust and suffocating . We are experiencing widespread humanitarian hardship, deaths and displacement following the January 29 violence in Okporojo.”

Raising economic concerns, the traders questioned why Quarry companies continue to operate amid the curfew, noting that Amasiri hosts a significant portion of the state’s Quarry sites.

The group warned that continued marginalisation could fuel unrest similar to resource-control agitations seen in Nigeria’s South-South region.

They also expressed concern over the handling of detainees, alleging that suspects have been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court rather than a High Court with jurisdiction over capital offences, a move they described as a deliberate attempt to “demean” the accused.

The traders urged Nwifuru to reverse course by lifting the curfew, releasing detained community leaders and setting up an independent panel of enquiry into the violence.

They criticised the continued detention of suspects, alleging that those arrested have been deliberately arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court rather than a High Court with proper jurisdiction over murder cases, a move they described as an abuse of state power.

The Amasiri crisis, rooted in communal tensions and violence, has continued to draw national attention, with calls for a balanced approach that ensures justice while preventing further suffering among civilians.