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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Civil society organisations have raised the alarm over alleged human rights violations and excessive use of force by security personnel in the Amasiri community, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following the deployment of a joint security task force to the area.
The security operation, which began on January 30, 2026, was accompanied by the enforcement of a 20-hour curfew aimed at curbing communal tensions.
However, residents allege that the intervention has instead triggered a humanitarian crisis marked by extrajudicial killings, destruction of homes and widespread loss of livelihoods.
In a statement issued to journalists in Enugu, yesterday, the leader of Advocates for Good Governance (one of the groups) Onyedika Agbo, said Amasiri was facing what he described as “terror”, with reports of residential buildings set ablaze and farm produce worth hundreds of millions of naira destroyed.
“Women, children, and elderly persons have been forced to flee their homes into nearby bushes to escape intimidation and violence,” he said.
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A community advocate added: “They believed the military presence was for protection. Instead, the operations have resulted in fear, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods.”
The groups also criticised what they described as one-sided punitive measures against the community. They recalled that the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, announced the suspension of political appointees and other government office holders from Amasiri in the aftermath of the crisis.
Concerns were also raised over the prolonged curfew, which they said has restricted access to healthcare, particularly for elderly and critically ill residents.
“There are allegations that peaceful female protesters were brutalised during demonstrations, further deepening concerns over the use of force against civilians,” the groups stated.
“The primary duty of security forces is to protect lives and property while remaining neutral. When the hands meant to shield citizens become instruments of harm, the social contract is fundamentally broken.”
They called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to immediately order an investigation into the conduct of the deployed security personnel, while also urging the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to commence an independent inquiry to document the alleged abuses and ensure accountability.
