By Our Correspondent

In what appears to be a renewed aggression against the people of Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has been hospitalised following an attack on him by yet to be identified persons at Edda, a neighbouring community that is in conflict with Amasiri over land ownership.

According to reports, the FRSC official, Samuel Otuu, was attacked and brutalised at Osso Edda, in Afikpo South Local Government Area on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, as he was travelling through the community.

Amasiri community is pointing accusing finger at the people of Oso Edda, who they say have been intercepting vehicles passing through the community and assaulting any passenger believed to hail from Amasiri.

The latest report is contained in a statement issued by Comrade Chinweike Okocha Ezeh and Hon Etu Richard, Chairman and Secretary of Isioru, a body responsible for internal security in Amasiri, in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

In the statement titled “Report on Targeted Attacks Against Amasiri Indigenes and the Escalating Crisis”, Ezeh and Richard accused the people of Oso Edda of violating a peace agreement between the two communities over the crisis.

Below is the statement:

“REPORT ON TARGETED ATTACKS AGAINST AMASIRI INDIGENES AND THE ESCALATING CRISIS

“Date of Incident: September 30, 2025
“Location of Incident: Oso Edda Junction
“Victim: Samuel Otuu, Federal Road Safety Corps Personnel, Indigene of Ihie Elu Amasiri

“Introduction

“This report highlights a brutal and premeditated attack on Samuel Otuu, a serving Federal Road Safety officer and proud indigene of Amasiri. The assault represents yet another chapter in the ongoing campaign of targeted violence, intimidation, and false propaganda directed against the Amasiri people by militant elements from Oso Edda.

“Far beyond a land dispute, these attacks now constitute a systematic attempt to undermine the safety, dignity, and survival of Amasiri community.

“Detailed Account of the Incident:

On Thursday, September 30, 2025, while on official duty en route to Ishiagu, Samuel Otuu was ambushed in broad daylight at Oso Edda Junction.

“Nature of the Attack: He was mercilessly beaten and sustained a gunshot wound to the back while attempting to escape.

“Current Condition: He remains unconscious and in critical condition at the hospital.

“Motive: His only “crime” was being an Amasiri indigene, underscoring the escalation from land-related hostilities to direct attacks on civil servants.

“Context: Sustained Aggression Against Amasiri

“This incident is not isolated. It reflects a long-standing pattern of violence:

“Kidnappings and Abductions: Retired military personnel, women, and other civilians from Amasiri have been kidnapped and held for prolonged periods despite government orders for their release.

“Fear and Insecurity: Farmers, traders, and civil servants are now unable to go about their normal activities without fear of abduction or death.

“Failure of Interventions: Past government efforts have failed to bring enduring peace, leaving the Amasiri people vulnerable and exposed.

“Despite this, Amasiri has remained committed to peace, dialogue, and lawful resolution. But peace must not be mistaken for weakness.

“Calls to Action and Recommendations

1. Immediate Investigation: We demand a transparent and impartial investigation by the Nigeria Police Force into the attempted murder of Samuel Otuu. The Amasiri community pledges full cooperation.
2. Neutral Security Presence: Deployment of increased, neutral, and effective security forces along the Amasiri–Okigwe road and other critical buffer zones.
3. Protection of Civilians: The constitutional rights of Amasiri citizens to safety, dignity, and freedom of movement must be safeguarded.
4. Public Awareness and Caution: All Amasiri indigenes are strongly advised to avoid Oso and other Edda routes until adequate security measures are in place. To travel through these areas is to gamble with one’s life.

“Conclusion

“The attack on Samuel Otuu is a grim reminder of the grave threat confronting every Amasiri son and daughter today. This is no longer about land—it is about survival. Our people, known for peace, resilience, and hospitality, are being hunted, slandered, and violently attacked, even on federal roads.

“We will not remain silent, neither will we allow the dignity of the Amasiri people to be trampled. We call on government authorities, security agencies, and all stakeholders to act urgently and decisively—before more lives are lost.

✍️ For Isioru Amasiri

Comrade Chinweike Okocha Ezeh, Chairman

Hon Etu Richard O. Secretary”