Reps Member Ogah Fires Back at ‘Genocide’ Claims Against Gov Nwifuru, Calls ICC Petition a Hoax

The political atmosphere in Ebonyi State took a sharp turn on Thursday as federal lawmaker Hon. Chinedu Ogah launched a blistering defense of Governor Francis Nwifuru, dismissing claims that the state government is overseeing a “genocide” in the Amasiri community. Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, Ogah described the allegations—which have already been sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC)—as an “inflammatory fantasy” designed to destabilize the state.

The controversy stems from a petition filed by activist Joy Idam, who alleged that the Governor’s response to a gruesome land dispute between Amasiri and Oso-Edda amounted to ethnic cleansing. Idam pointed to the mass dethronement of traditional rulers, the sacking of appointees, and a restrictive curfew as evidence of a “military-style siege” on the Amasiri people.

However, Hon. Ogah, who represents Ikwo/Ezza South, insisted that the Governor’s “iron fist” was the only thing that prevented a total bloodbath. “To use the word ‘genocide’ to describe security measures meant to save lives is not just a lie; it is a crime against the truth,” Ogah stated. “Governor Nwifuru inherited communal wars that have lasted for 20 years. In less than a year, he has brought 10 of those communities to a peace table. Does that sound like a man interested in genocide?”

The lawmaker noted that the state’s recent decision to relax the Amasiri curfew to 11 hours daily is a clear sign of de-escalation. He challenged the accusers to visit the “shallow graves” of the victims of the initial January 29 attack where four people were beheaded before criticizing the government’s efforts to catch the killers.

“Mrs. Joy Idam needs to apologize to the people of Ebonyi State,” Ogah added. “Her petition to the ICC is a distraction from the real work of recovering the remains of the victims and restoring a State of Harmony. We will not be dragged backward by people living in Abuja or overseas who have no idea of the reality on the ground.”

As the state government continues its “sanitization” of the Afikpo axis, the clash between human rights activists and state actors has set the stage for a major legal and image battle in the coming months.