72-hours ultimatum: Amasiri residents flee community, urge Ebonyi Govt to unravel cause of attack
Amasiri Residents Evacuate Amid Government Ultimatum
Ebonyi State, Nigeria — Thousands of residents from the Amasiri community in the Afikpo local government area were seen fleeing their homes early Wednesday morning. This exodus followed a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the Ebonyi State government, demanding that the community produce the severed heads of three individuals killed in an attack on the Okporojo community in Oso Edda.
The ultimatum, which expired Wednesday, was part of a broader directive requiring Amasiri to return four individuals allegedly abducted from Okporojo village. Additionally, the state government called for the recovery of the severed head of Augustine Ite, a resident of Akpoha in Afikpo LGA, who was reportedly kidnapped, killed, and buried in a shallow grave.
Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the ultimatum after a security meeting attended by service chiefs, members of the Ebonyi State Founding Fathers, local stakeholders, and community leaders. He warned that failure to adhere to the directive would result in stricter government action against Amasiri.
Witnesses reported that among those fleeing were women, children, and elderly residents. Many men and youths chose to remain in the community to protect their homes and belongings from potential looting. Some residents expressed concerns over a possible government crackdown and sought refuge in Afikpo town or neighboring Cross River State.
A local resident described the situation as dire, stating, “The situation in Amasiri has taken a new dimension this morning. Thousands of our indigenes are fleeing their homes, fearing government action. Our community is gradually becoming a ghost town. We need help.”
Many families have relocated to nearby Afikpo, causing a surge in demand for housing and a rise in accommodation costs. Residents reported that schools, churches, and markets have been closed for over a week, leading to a shortage of food supplies.
Chimaobi Kalu, a businessman from Abia State, voiced his concerns for the economic impact of the situation. “Many of us are considering relocating our businesses to other towns. I have already moved my family to Abia State. I am only staying back to protect my shop from possible looting,” he said. Kalu noted that while security agencies, including the military, have been patrolling the area, the prevailing hunger and tension underpin risks of unrest.
Residents have collectively appealed to Governor Nwifuru and local leaders to seek justice for the violence without further punishing innocent individuals. As of now, the Ebonyi State Government has not issued any additional directives, with the ultimatum expected to expire later tonight.
