…as community leaders brand allegations ‘malicious propaganda’, demand forensic probe into viral voice note
By Gloria Ikibah
Leaders of the Amasiri communities in Ebonyi State have forcefully denied allegations that their people are plotting attacks against the Nigerian Army and neighbouring Okporojo, describing the claims as “false, malicious and deliberately inflammatory”. 
In a strongly worded statement issued on behalf of the community, by Former Deputy President General, Amasiri Town Union, Hon. Amadi Maduka, he “categorically and unequivocally” rejected a publication circulated by a group known as Edda Media Practitioners, which accused Amasiri natives of planning violence and engaging in criminal conspiracies.
The statement read: “The attention of the people of Amasiri Communities, has been drawn to a publication alleging that Amasiri natives are planning attacks against the Nigerian soldiers and its Okporojo neighbour and are involved in criminal conspiracies by a group christened as Edda Media Practitioners.
“We, the Amasiri People, take serious exception to these allegations and categorically, unequivocally refute and deny them in their entirety.
“The claims are not only false and malicious, but appear deliberately crafted to mislead the public, inflame tensions, and unjustly portray the hitherto peaceful, quiet, and orderly communities of Amasiri in a negative light before the world.
“Such unfounded accusations undermine efforts toward peace and reconciliation and unfairly stigmatize a community that has consistently maintained restraint despite immense provocation and hardship.
“The Amasiri communities—a civilized and decent people, renowned for producing highly celebrated professionals who have excelled in their various endeavors across the world—have neither contemplated, planned, nor initiated any attack against the Nigerian Army or any other security agency, notwithstanding what they consider as the unlawful presence of security forces within their communities.
“Furthermore, the Amasiri people would not, under any circumstances, contemplate or execute any attack against any of their sister communities, irrespective of provocation. Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and adherence to lawful conduct remain enduring and foundational values of the community”.
The community also pointed to the humanitarian situation facing many of its residents, arguing that the allegations defy common sense.
It also noted that many Amasiri families remain displaced, with elderly citizens, pregnant women and other vulnerable residents “trapped in extremely difficult conditions, struggling for access to basic necessities”.
“To say the least, it is both illogical and profoundly insensitive to suggest that a people currently displaced and scattered across various locations—many of whom are still seeking safety in the aftermath of what they describe as a needless military invasion of their communities—would be sponsoring or planning violent attacks.
“A significant members of these communities have their mothers, elderly citizens, pregnant women, and other vulnerable members trapped in extremely difficult conditions, struggling for access to basic necessities. To attribute to such a distressed population the capacity or intent to orchestrate violence defies reason and disregards the harsh humanitarian realities confronting Amasiri communities.
“Such malicious claim neither reflect the circumstances on ground nor promote the peace and stability that all parties ought to pursue.
“The former President General of the Amasiri Town Union, presently in exile for no disclosed or proven offence, hereby states that the soldiers and other security personnel deployed to the area are fully aware that no citizen of Amasiri has engaged in any act of resistance against them—let alone attempted any form of aggression, including as much as pelting them with a stone.
“This position reflects the consistent conduct of the community, which has maintained restraint and has not confronted or obstructed security operatives in the discharge of their duties,” the leaders said.
Hon. Amadi Maduka, former Deputy President General of the Amasiri Town Union, who is currently outside the community, stated that security personnel on the ground were aware that no acts of aggression had been carried out by Amasiri citizens.
“The soldiers and other security personnel deployed to the area are fully aware that no citizen of Amasiri has engaged in any act of resistance against them — let alone attempted any form of aggression, including as much as pelting them with a stone,” he said.
He described the community’s conduct as one of “consistent restraint”, adding that residents had neither confronted nor obstructed security operatives in the discharge of their duties.
Amasiri leaders have called on security agencies to conduct a thorough forensic examination of a widely circulated voice note which allegedly implicates the community in planned violence.
“Security operatives should determine the individual or individuals responsible for the voice note, or establish whether it is a product of artificial intelligence deliberately generated to create confusion and sow discord by mischief-makers,” the statement urged.
The community condemned what it described as the spread of “unverified audio recordings, fabricated narratives and speculative reporting”, warning that such material risks inciting panic and deepening division.
“This wave of media propaganda appears to be mischievously propagated by individuals who stand to benefit from what many perceive as a sentimental and vindictive approach adopted against the Amasiri communities,” the statement further read.
“Such orchestrated narratives do not advance peace or justice. Rather, they risk deepening division, legitimising hardship, and sustaining a climate of hostility against an already distressed population.
“Amasiri remains committed to peace, dialogue and lawful engagement. We call on all stakeholders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and to prioritise unity, justice and peaceful coexistence.
“We stand firmly by the truth: Amasiri knows nothing about any plan to attack soldiers — and will never be part of it”, it stated.
