Ebonyi: Group raises alarm over threats from Amasiri, cites voice notes as evidence
Concerns Raised Over Potential Violence in Ebonyi State
A coalition of journalists representing the Edda Media Practitioners has warned of a potential attack on the community of Oso Edda in the Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The allegations involve assailants from the Amasiri clan in the Afikpo Local Government Area.
Ikenna Emewu, coordinator of the media group, made the remarks during a press conference in Abakaliki on Monday. Emewu claimed that over 11 voice messages in the Amasiri dialect are circulating on various WhatsApp platforms, suggesting that further violence is being planned against the Edda community.
Reports indicate that on January 29, 2026, an alleged attack by individuals from the Amasiri clan in Okporojo village resulted in the deaths of at least four people, with another individual reportedly abducted. The incident also caused significant property damage, with losses amounting to millions of naira.
The attacks have provoked widespread condemnation, prompting Governor Francis Nwifuru to take action by dismissing political appointees, closing schools, and imposing a curfew in the affected area.
Emewu noted that the Edda community has experienced the loss of at least 14 individuals and the destruction of over 29 homes since the onset of hostilities initiated by the Amasiri clan.
“The time has come to acknowledge the governor’s efforts in restoring peace to Oso Edda,” Emewu said. “We have gathered undeniable evidence linking Amasiri to multiple attacks over the past few years, and we believe that relevant security intelligence supports our claims.”
He emphasized the necessity of the press conference due to the new evidence indicating Amasiri’s coordination in orchestrating violence against Edda, resulting in considerable losses over the last three years.
While acknowledging the state government’s interventions, Emewu expressed a commitment to collaborating with both government and security forces to monitor potential threats. He highlighted that misinformation was recently circulated on social media, falsely claiming that Nigerian soldiers had been killed in Oso Edda, an assertion that was later refuted by military authorities.
Recent voice messages, reviewed by the media group, purportedly detail plans for further attacks on Oso Edda and suggest a strategy to provoke military personnel stationed in Amasiri. Emewu warned that these tactics are designed to distract soldiers and facilitate further violence, with the potential for malicious narratives blaming Edda for any ensuing conflict.
In response to the allegations, members of the Amasiri clan took to social media to deny any intentions to attack Oso Edda. Kingsley Adams stated, “Amasiri is not daft. The claim that we are planning an attack is another lie.”
Nicholas Azu remarked on the implications of such accusations, while Onya Emmanuel criticized the lack of evidence presented in Emewu’s claims, asserting that underlying political issues are more significant than apparent land disputes.
The situation continues to develop as community leaders and government officials assess security measures in the region.
