Civil society organisations under the aegis of Advocates for Good Governance have demanded an urgent probe into alleged human rights abuses by security personnel in Amasiri community, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The groups raised the alarm over what they described as excessive use of force following the deployment of a joint security task force to the community on January 30, 2026, alongside the enforcement of a 20-hour curfew aimed at curbing communal tensions.
In a statement issued to journalists, the leader of the coalition, Onyedika Agbo, alleged that the security operation had instead resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with reports of extrajudicial killings, destruction of homes and widespread loss of livelihoods.
Agbo said residential buildings were allegedly set ablaze, while farm produce worth hundreds of millions of naira were destroyed during the operation.
“Women, children and elderly persons have been forced to flee their homes into nearby bushes to escape intimidation and violence,” he said, adding that residents initially welcomed the military presence, believing it was meant to offer protection.
According to him, the prolonged curfew has also restricted access to healthcare services, particularly for elderly and critically ill residents in the community.
“The primary duty of security forces is to protect lives and property while remaining neutral. When the hands meant to shield citizens become instruments of harm, the social contract is fundamentally broken,” Agbo said.
The groups called on Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to immediately order an investigation into the conduct of the deployed security personnel.
They also urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to commence an independent inquiry to document the alleged abuses and ensure accountability.
By Gideon Arinze
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