Rep Ogah, Idam Trade Words Over Amasiri Crisis in Ebonyi
A fresh controversy has erupted in Ebonyi State as a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah and human rights activist, Princess Joy Idam exchanged sharp words over allegations of genocide in Amasiri community.
Hon. Ogah, who represents Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, dismissed claims that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru committed genocide in Amasiri, describing the allegations as baseless and misleading.
He accused Idam of making inflammatory statements capable of escalating tensions in the state.
Idam had earlier alleged that the state government’s handling of the protracted land dispute involving Amasiri led to civilian casualties, displacement, destruction of property, and prolonged curfews.
She argued that the pattern of actions and inactions by authorities disproportionately affected the community.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Ogah maintained that Governor Nwifuru had demonstrated strong leadership in resolving communal conflicts across Ebonyi saying several land disputes predating the current administration had been largely settled through proactive engagement with stakeholders.
According to him, a panel was set up to investigate the renewed tensions in Amasiri and recommendations were submitted adding that the curfew imposed on the area was a necessary security measure to prevent further violence and has since been relaxed as normalcy gradually returns.
Ogah also highlighted the administration’s achievements, including youth scholarship schemes and infrastructural projects, disclosing that about 400 Ebonyi youths are studying abroad, with beneficiaries drawn from various communities, including Amasiri.
However, in a detailed response, Idam insisted that the suffering of Amasiri residents could not be dismissed as spurious, questioning whether the findings of the investigative panel were made public and demanded transparency over the delineation of the disputed land.
She further called for an independent investigation, public accountability, and restoration of properties allegedly destroyed during the crisis.
Idam argued that development projects and scholarships could not substitute for justice and reconciliation.
The activist also queried why schools and hospitals in Amasiri remained closed despite the relaxation of the curfew, claiming reports indicated over 30 deaths and widespread displacement, describing the community as largely deserted.
While Ogah urged Idam to retract her statements and visit Ebonyi to verify developments firsthand, Idam maintained that the issue was not political but about justice, fairness, and protection of citizens.
