The Nigerian Army has announced the deployment of troops for a joint operation in Amasiri and surrounding communities within the Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, aimed at safeguarding innocent civilians.
Olabisi Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, made this announcement via a statement released on Sunday in Enugu.
He highlighted that the Headquarters of the 82 Division had received reports regarding videos circulating on social media that portrayed the troop deployment as an invasion, particularly following recent incidents of violence against civilians in Amasiri.
Ayeni clarified that the army's involvement, alongside other security agencies, was not an act of aggression but rather a necessary intervention.
“The deployment was triggered by the horrific murders and beheadings of four individuals in Okporojo village, Edda Local Government Area, and the subsequent findings of shallow graves in Amasiri containing mutilated remains,” he stated.
The lieutenant colonel emphasized the urgent need for intervention to restore peace, ensure the safety of the populace, and bring the responsible individuals to justice.
The Ebonyi State Government has also taken action by imposing a curfew and temporarily shuttering schools in Amasiri in an effort to prevent further violence and enhance public safety.
The enforcement of this curfew will be supported by the security agencies to ensure ongoing investigations are undisturbed, protect medical personnel, and manage any humanitarian repercussions stemming from the crisis.
Moreover, Ayeni indicated that the operations involve a collaborative initiative among various local security forces, including the Nigeria Police, the State Security Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, which have been executing intelligence-led patrols and search operations in affected locales.
Intelligence reports have revealed additional locations where both adults and children have been buried.
These discoveries of shallow graves have underscored the grave nature of the crimes and the pressing need for a significant security presence to dismantle the criminal factions at play and avert further bloodshed.
He reinforced that the military intervention is directed solely against the criminal elements exploiting community disputes to commit atrocities, rather than being against the people of Amasiri.
“The operation is guided by intelligence and is conducted in a professional manner, in consultation with local leadership to guarantee transparency,” Ayeni added.
The army, along with its allied agencies, remains committed to the protection of all citizens impartially, and efforts will continue until stability is achieved, the culprits apprehended, and justice delivered.
Ayeni urged the public to ignore misleading information and support the endeavors to secure the Afikpo North Local Government Area and its adjacent communities.
In connection with the recent killings, law enforcement agencies have taken several individuals into custody, including Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, the coordinator of the Amasiri Development Centre, and two traditional rulers, Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has dismissed political appointees and ousted traditional leaders from Amasiri community for their alleged involvement in the violent land disputes, expressing dissatisfaction with the local administration's commitment to peace.
The governor's actions underline the government's resolve to address the issues impacting the community, stating, "All government officials from Amasiri including members of the local government management committee and commissioners have been removed from their positions. Furthermore, traditional leaders will have their recognition revoked, and all town union leaderships will be dissolved."
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