Amasiri Diaspora Group Raises Alarm Over Prolonged Curfew, Humanitarian Impact in Ebonyi Community

Indigenes of Amasiri living abroad have expressed concern over worsening living conditions in their hometown, following the continued enforcement of a curfew imposed after a violent land dispute in Ebonyi State.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, representatives of the group said the restrictions, introduced in the aftermath of a January clash in a disputed settlement, have led to widespread hardship for residents. They noted that while the violence that triggered the crisis resulted in casualties and destruction of property, their focus is now on the consequences of the government’s response.

According to the group, measures announced shortly after the incident included the removal of political appointees from the community, changes in traditional leadership, and the suspension of local administrative structures. They argued that these decisions were implemented without a comprehensive investigation into the root causes of the conflict.

The curfew, initially set for extended hours and later adjusted, has remained in place for weeks, significantly restricting movement. The group claimed that enforcement operations have further disrupted daily life, alleging that some properties were damaged and many residents, particularly young men, fled the area out of fear, leading to internal displacement.

They also reported that essential services within the community have been severely affected. Schools, places of worship, and markets are largely shut, while healthcare services are operating at limited capacity. This, they said, has contributed to preventable deaths due to delayed or inaccessible medical attention.

In addition, the group pointed to administrative changes affecting the Amasiri Development Centre and ongoing legal proceedings involving several community members and traditional leaders linked to the crisis.

They questioned what they described as uneven enforcement of the curfew, noting that some business operations in the area have continued despite the restrictions.

Describing the situation as dire, the diaspora representatives called for an immediate review of the curfew. They urged authorities to provide relief support to affected residents, ensure a fair investigation into the initial violence, and take steps toward a lasting resolution of the boundary dispute at the heart of the crisis.