Ebonyi State: Amasiri Vigilance Group Denies Beheading Edda Youths

The Isioru Amasiri, the internal security organ of Amasiri community in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi state, has denied allegations that its warriors killed and beheaded an Edda person. 

The denial comes amid renewed confrontations between Ndukwe community in Amasiri and Osso in Edda local government area over the ownership of Okporojo, a section of Oso/Idima.

The conflict between the two communities centres on a long-standing dispute over land ownership. 

While Ndukwe claims that the area was leased to Edda hunters years ago, who then established seasonal residence and paid yearly land rent, Edda asserts that the land now belongs to them.

 This disagreement has led to violent confrontations, resulting in loss of lives and property.

In a statement signed by Mr. Chinweike Okocha Ezeh and Hon. Etu Richard Obiahu, Chairman and Secretary of Isioru Amasiri respectively, the community described the allegations as “false, fabricated, and designed to incite further violence and unjustly target our people.” 

The statement emphasised that Amasiri community has no tradition of violence or beheadings and has always chosen the path of law and dialogue.

The Amasiri community has called on the Nigeria Police Force to launch a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation into the murder to identify the actual perpetrators and their motives. 

They also demanded the retraction of the baseless allegations and cessation of spreading falsehoods.

The Amasiri community demanded and recommended: immediate retraction of the baseless allegations; thorough and impartial investigation into the murder; protection from victimization and collective punishment and; heightened security presence in the buffer zones between the communities.

The Amasiri community remains committed to peace and will vigorously defend its name and people from defamation and unwarranted aggression.