6 hours ago
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Rights activist Maduabuchi Idam has sounded the alarm over what he described as the continued use of an “unlawful, Gestapo-style” security approach in Amasiri communities in Ebonyi State by the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, urging the Federal Government to intervene urgently.
Idam said he had earlier submitted a petition dated February 9, 2026, drawing attention to the situation, but claimed that no action had been taken, prompting him to issue a reminder to the relevant authorities.
The petition was addressed to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA.
According to the activist, the tension in the area followed an attack on Oso Edda on January 29, 2026, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of four people.
He alleged that Amasiri communities were blamed for the incident despite repeatedly denying any involvement.
Idam claimed that since the attack, residents of the communities have been subjected to a series of security operations and punitive measures, including the deployment of military personnel, which he said have led to civilian casualties and significant disruption of daily life.
He further alleged that schools and healthcare facilities in the area have been closed, homes destroyed, and some traditional rulers and political leaders arrested or removed from their positions.
He added that a curfew imposed on January 31 remains in force and is being strictly enforced by security operatives.
The activist also expressed concern over reports that the state government had strengthened military presence in the affected communities while issuing directives that shrines and ancestral homes could be demolished if alleged severed heads linked to the Oso Edda attack were not produced.
Describing the situation as disturbing, Idam argued that the actions taken against the communities amount to collective punishment of civilians over allegations that have neither been properly investigated nor determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
He called on the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NHRC, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to step in and ensure the protection of lives and property in the affected areas.
Idam also urged Nigerians not to remain silent, warning against what he described as the possible destruction of innocent civilian communities over offences they have neither been investigated for nor convicted of.
In the petition, he recalled that his earlier communication on the matter had not been addressed.
“Since the attack on Oso Edda on January 29, 2026, which claimed four lives, Amasiri communities, despite denying involvement, have been accused, targeted and subjected to collective punishment without a fair hearing,” the petition stated.
He further argued that the recent ultimatum reportedly issued by the state government for the communities to produce severed heads suggests that authorities have not found any incriminating evidence in the area.
According to him, the continued military action therefore appears less like a security measure and more like a retaliatory move carried out before any proper investigation, trial or conviction.
Idam consequently called on the Federal Government and other relevant bodies to prevail on Governor Nwifuru to halt any plans to demolish remaining communal buildings described as shrines, prevent further destruction of homes, and avoid actions that could lead to additional loss of innocent lives in Amasiri without a valid court order.
He added that urgent intervention was necessary to prevent further damage to the already affected communities.
The activist also criticised what he described as the governor’s “Gestapo-style” handling of the situation, insisting that any planned destruction of shrines should be stopped because freedom of religion is a constitutional right that should not be criminalised by the state.
