House of Reps member rejects mass killings allegation against Governor
House of Reps member rejects mass killings allegation against Governor
A member of the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, has debunked allegations of genocide leveled against Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, describing the claims as unfounded and capable of inflaming tensions.
Ogah, who represents Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, was responding to comments by human rights activist Joy Idam, who accused the Ebonyi State governor of targeting the Amasiri community in the course of a lingering land dispute with a neighbouring area.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing, the lawmaker said the accusation misrepresents events on the ground and ignores steps taken by the state government to de-escalate tensions and restore calm.
He called on Idam to retract the statement and issue an apology, warning that such allegations could worsen an already sensitive situation.
According to Ogah, Governor Nwifuru inherited multiple communal conflicts across Ebonyi State, noting that “nearly ten communities were engaged in various communal clashes” before the current administration.
He said sustained dialogue, security interventions and community engagement have since brought most of those disputes under control.
He explained that when tensions resurfaced in Amasiri, the government promptly set up a panel to investigate the dispute and imposed a temporary curfew to prevent further violence.
The restriction, he added, was later relaxed after peace was restored.
Beyond security, Ogah pointed to what he described as broader governance gains under Nwifuru’s leadership, including youth empowerment initiatives, overseas scholarships for about 400 Ebonyi youths, and ongoing construction of classroom blocks across the state.
The lawmaker also questioned the credibility of the allegation, arguing that Idam has not lived in Ebonyi for several years and therefore lacks direct knowledge of current developments.
“The allegation of genocide is completely false,” Ogah said, insisting that the governor has focused on peace-building, stability and inclusive development rather than repression.
