Ebonyi Genocide Claim Baseless, Misleading — Ogah

By Oluwakemi Kindness

An Ebonyi state lawmaker in the 10th House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah has dismissed allegations of genocide against his Governor, Francis Nwifuru, describing the claims as false, inflammatory, and capable of heightening tensions in the state.

Speaking with Parliamentary reporters on Wednesday in Abuja, the lawmaker said accusations made by human rights activist Joy Idam, that the governor is committing genocide against the Amasiri community amid a prolonged land dispute are “completely disconnected from reality.”

Ogah explained that many land conflicts in Ebonyi predate the current administration by more than two decades, and credited Governor Nwifuru with taking deliberate steps to restore peace.

He noted that renewed tensions in Amasiri prompted the governor to set up an investigation panel, which made recommendations already being implemented.

He said the temporary curfew imposed in the area was a proactive security measure to prevent further violence and has since been relaxed as normalcy returns.

According to Ogah, nearly 10 communities are embroiled in clashes before Nwifuru assumed office, but most of the conflicts have been resolved through community engagement and inclusive governance.

He also highlighted the administration’s achievements, including overseas scholarship programmes benefiting more than 400 Ebonyi youths—several from Amasiri—ongoing construction of classroom blocks across local governments, and security initiatives that empower traditional rulers to strengthen peacebuilding.

Ogah criticised Idam for making what he described as grave claims despite being absent from the state “for several years,” urging her to retract her allegations and visit Ebonyi to verify developments firsthand.

He stressed that temporary school closures, curfews, and other interventions were strategic responses to insecurity—not acts of persecution.

“The allegation of genocide is completely false. The governor has worked tirelessly to ensure peace, stability, and development in Ebonyi State,” he concluded.