By Chioma James
Publisher of Weekenders Magazine and community advocate, Princess Joy Omagha Idam, has issued a strongly worded response to Chinedu Ogah over his dismissal of genocide allegations surrounding the military intervention in Amasiri community.
In a recent press statement released, Idam challenged the lawmaker’s characterization of the allegations as “baseless” and “spurious,” insisting that the lived experiences of displaced residents, bereaved families, and business owners in Amasiri cannot be dismissed as political theatrics.
She argued that the suffering allegedly endured by the community, including reported deaths, mass displacement, prolonged curfews, closure of schools and hospitals, and destruction of property , demands transparent investigation rather than outright denial.
Addressing the crisis under the administration of Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Idam questioned the transparency of any investigative panels reportedly constituted to look into the crisis.
“If investigative panels were indeed set up, were their findings made public? Were victims consulted? Were perpetrators held accountable irrespective of affiliation?” she asked.
She further queried what she described as a “rush to delineate Amasiri” and called for clarity on petitions allegedly filed by the community over the years without response.
Reacting to claims that peace has largely returned to the area, Idam disputed that narrative.
“True peace is not merely the absence of open clashes; it is the presence of justice, restitution, and restored trust in leadership,” she stated, arguing that a community allegedly experiencing displacement and restricted movement cannot be described as peaceful.
According to her, development initiatives such as scholarship programmes and infrastructure projects, though commendable, cannot replace justice and accountability where grievances remain unresolved.
Idam urged the state government to invite independent observers, civil society organisations, human rights bodies, and the National Boundary Commission to review official maps and documentation relating to disputed areas.
She maintained that leadership requires listening to constituents’ concerns rather than dismissing them, especially in a conflict that has reportedly led to deaths, displacement, and economic paralysis.
The statement also questioned whether the measures imposed on Amasiri — including school and hospital closures and extended security deployment — were consistent with how other communal conflicts in the state were handled.
While acknowledging the relaxation of the curfew, Idam described it as insufficient, noting that educational and healthcare institutions reportedly remain closed.
She called for:
An independent investigation,
Public accountability,
Reconciliation and
Restoration of destroyed properties,
Guarantees against disproportionate use of force,
Immediate demarcation of disputed areas.
“This is not about political rivalry,” she concluded. “It is about justice, dignity, fairness, and the protection of citizens.”
As tensions persist, observers say the unfolding debate underscores the need for clarity, reconciliation, and a sustainable resolution to the Amasiri crisis in Ebonyi State.