… Women, Children Killed, Homes Razed as Publisher Slams Governor’s “Dangerous Bias”
By Uloma Peace Okorie
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State is facing fierce backlash over alleged bias in the violent crisis rocking Amasiri community, where women and children were reportedly killed and hundreds displaced following the destruction of homes.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, a daughter of Amasiri and Publisher of Weekender Magazine, Dr. Princess Joy Idam, delivered a blistering indictment of the governor, accusing him of abetting violence through silence and open support for the attackers.
With visible anger and grief, Dr. Idam said her community was attacked without provocation, leaving families homeless and traumatised, while the state government looked the other way.
“My heart is heavy and bleeding. Women and children were killed, houses were burnt, and Amasiri people were chased out of their ancestral homes for no reason,” she said.
Dr. Idam accused Governor Nwifuru of failing his constitutional duty by refusing to condemn the killings and instead blaming the victims.
“Rather than act like a father to all, Governor Nwifuru chose to side with the attackers. Instead of condemning the violence, he justified it and turned the blame on Amasiri people,” she stated.
She described the governor’s posture as a dangerous endorsement of lawlessness that could further plunge the state into chaos if unchecked.
Recalling the last governorship election, Dr. Idam said Amasiri community stood solidly behind Nwifuru, giving him massive votes that helped secure his victory.
“Amasiri people supported him with their votes and trust. Today, that trust has been betrayed. Is this the reward for loyalty death, destruction and displacement?” she asked.
The publisher accused the governor of weaponising state power against the community, citing the continued detention of two Amasiri development coordinators allegedly arrested on his orders.
“Two development coordinators have been locked up for over one week without justice. Their only crime is standing for their people,” Dr. Idam said, demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
She issued a global distress call, urging the international community to intervene before the crisis spirals further out of control.
“We are calling on Amnesty International, human rights organisations, the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police to intervene urgently. Ebonyi State is on a dangerous path,” she warned.
Dr. Idam stressed that Governor Nwifuru’s refusal to play a neutral, peace-building role has deepened the crisis between the two communities, emboldening attackers and leaving Amasiri defenceless.
“Peace cannot be built on injustice. A governor who chooses sides in a communal crisis is inviting bloodshed,” she said.
She warned that history would judge the Ebonyi State Government harshly if urgent steps are not taken to stop the violence, restore peace, and ensure justice for Amasiri people.