A member of the House of Representatives for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State Chinedu Ogah has dismissed allegations of genocide against Governor Francis Nwifuru over the crisis in Amasiri community.
The allegation was made by human rights activist Joy Idam, who accused the governor of committing genocide against Amasiri residents amid a land dispute with a neighbouring community.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Ogah described the claim as false and called on Idam to apologise. He said the governor had taken steps to address communal clashes and insecurity in the state.
“Before Governor Nwifuru’s administration, nearly ten communities were engaged in various communal clashes. Today, most of these conflicts have been resolved through proactive engagement and people-centred governance,” Ogah said.
He stated that following renewed tensions in Amasiri, the state government constituted a panel to investigate the dispute and imposed a curfew to prevent further violence.
He said the curfew was later relaxed after security agencies reported progress.
The governor had earlier adjusted the curfew in Amasiri to run from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., from the previous 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while directing that schools in the community remain closed pending further security assessment.
Governor Nwifuru also directed the community to produce four human heads and persons allegedly abducted during the crisis, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum at a State Security Council meeting.
He warned that additional measures would follow if the directive was not complied with.
Ogah said the government’s actions were aimed at restoring order and preventing escalation of the conflict.
He added that law enforcement agencies had been directed to prosecute suspects arrested in connection with the killings, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others.
The lawmaker also cited overseas scholarships awarded to about 400 youths from the state and classroom construction projects as part of the administration’s programmes.
He said Idam had been absent from the state for years and lacked firsthand knowledge of developments in Amasiri, urging her to withdraw the allegation.
“The allegation of genocide is completely false,” Ogah said.
