REJOINDER: THE AMASIRI COMMUNITY REJECTS THE PROPOSED ARMY TRAINING DEPOT — A TROJAN HORSE, NOT DEVELOPMENT
To: The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru
CC: The Hon. Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Nweze Umahi, CON The General Officer Commanding, 82 Division.
We have read with deep concern the recent announcement regarding the approval of Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area as the host community for a new Nigerian Army Training Depot (NATD). While the government paints this as a milestone for “strategic development” and “security,” the true sons and daughters of Amasiri see this for what it truly is: a calculated plot to weaken our community, grab our land, and erode our cultural heritage.
We categorically reject this “gift” and wish to correct the narrative as follows:
1. Unequal Distribution of Institutions
We observe a disturbing disparity in how federal institutions are allocated. The government successfully allocated a Nigerian Navy School to Oferekpe Agbaja—an institution rooted in education, discipline, and prestige. Yet, for Amasiri, you have allocated what is effectively a boot camp. We view this Training Depot not as a center of excellence, but as a “bandit centre” disguised as a military base. Why is the school for others, but the noise, intimidation, and roughness reserved for us?
2. Social Decay and Moral Erosion
The government promises “economic activities,” but we know the reality of military barracks and their accompanying “Mami Markets.” This is not the kind of economy we want.
A Hub for Vice: We fear this depot will turn our community into a quarter for illicit activities, effectively creating a “hookup” zone that exploits our women and degrades our moral fabric.
Drugs and Disorder: The introduction of a training depot often correlates with higher drug usage and a reduction of sane, law-abiding conduct in the host community. We refuse to let Amasiri become a haven for vices that are “not human helpful.”
3. Geographic and Strategic Misalignment
The logic of this siting is flawed.
Better Terrain Elsewhere: Communities like Ikwo and Izzi possess vast “table lands” that are geographically superior for range shooting exercises and military maneuvers.
Available Land in Uburu: We are aware that Uburu still has ample land. Why was this burden not shared with the homesteads of our political leaders? Why must Amasiri be the sacrificial lamb for an institution that brings more fear than development?
4. The Illusion of Consent
The statement claims “extensive consultations” were held. We ask: with whom? We say NO to dummy representatives who sign away our birthright for political favors. The individuals who “granted consent” do not speak for the collective will of the Amasiri people. This is not collaboration; it is illegal land grabbing masked as government acquisition.
5. Our Stand
We plead with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and Apostle Dave Umahi to reconsider this action immediately. Station this depot in Ikwo, Izzi, or Uburu where the terrain is suitable and the land is available.
Amasiri says NO to intimidation.
Amasiri says NO to cultural declination.
Amasiri says NO to the destruction of our social sanity.
To those who seek to suppress us, know this: You cannot intimidate a people whose forebearers could not be conquered. We will not be silenced, and we will not trade our peace for a barracks.
Signed,
Concerned Indigenes of Amasiri