(DDM) – Residents of Amasiri community accuse soldiers of arresting many adult men during a security crackdown.
DDM notes that villagers described the operation as sweeping and deeply unsettling for families.
A woman from the community shared a video claiming that troops detained youths and most men they encountered.
She said fear forced many residents to flee their homes for safety.
She described the once-busy village as nearly empty because of the ongoing crisis.
Amasiri lies in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The area has recently faced tensions linked to a long-running land dispute.
Local sources say disputes between Amasiri and neighbouring Oso Edda communities have simmered for years.
Fresh violence reportedly reignited the conflict in late January.
Reports linked the escalation to a deadly incident in Okporojo village in Edda LGA.
Authorities connected that incident to a boundary disagreement between communities.
The clashes increased anxiety among residents across the affected areas.
The Ebonyi State Government responded by imposing a strict curfew on Amasiri.
Officials set the curfew at twenty hours daily to control movement.
The government also closed schools in the troubled community.
Leaders dissolved local traditional and political structures to reset authority.
Some residents supported firm measures to restore order.
Other residents criticised the steps as too harsh on ordinary people.
Civil society groups raised concerns about alleged arbitrary arrests.
Advocates also warned about possible destruction of property during operations.
Human rights campaigners submitted petitions demanding investigations.
They described the situation as both humanitarian and constitutional in nature.
They urged authorities to protect civilians while pursuing suspects.
The Nigerian Army defended its deployment in the area.
Army officials said troops joined a wider security operation.
They said forces aimed to protect lives and enforce the curfew.
They added that soldiers targeted criminal elements, not civilians.
The Army said it relied on intelligence to guide actions.
Security officials linked the mission to earlier killings and shallow graves discoveries.
Residents, however, insisted that the scale of detentions created panic.
Families reported displacement as people avoided encounters with troops.
Community voices called for dialogue to calm tensions.
Stakeholders requested engagement between authorities and local leaders.
Analysts say communal conflicts often worsen without mediation.
They note that land disputes frequently trigger cycles of retaliation.
They recommend transparent investigations to build public trust.
They also encourage balanced security that respects civil rights.
The crisis continues to draw attention across Ebonyi State.
Many citizens now watch for clearer communication from authorities.
Residents hope for peace that allows normal life to return.
