Grief-stricken members of Lilu community in Ihiala Council Area of Anambra State gathered at the Anambra Government House, seeking urgent intervention from Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The group, comprising youths, elderly men, and women, carried placards and wore somber expressions, highlighting the gravity of their plight following a wave of brutal killings and destruction in their community.
Speaking on behalf of the community, a spokesperson identified only as Mr Emeka, for security reasons, revealed that they had to abandon the burial of two kinsmen midway after hearing that two others, who had sustained severe machete wounds in last Sunday’s attack, had died while receiving treatment.
Emeka explained to the Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG), Chief Solo Chukwulobelu, that the brutal attacks on their community began years ago. He recounted that in the first major incident, 11 kinsmen were killed, and nine more lives were lost in last Sunday’s massacre, bringing the total death toll to 20 in the recent wave of violence.
According to him, the attackers abducted some victims, claiming they were to be sacrificed to their gods. He called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene, lamenting that survival in Lilu has become a daily struggle as residents face kidnapping, slaughter, or mysterious disappearances. Mr
Mr Emeka further disclosed that about 85% of the community now lives in exile in neighboring towns, with no household spared from the pain of losing a member to violent killings. He added that anyone who speaks out against the atrocities is usually killed the next day.
The placards carried by the protesters conveyed their anguish, with inscriptions such as “Soludo, rescue us,” “Lilu is on the verge of extinction,” and “Is Lilu actually in Anambra State?”
The traditional ruler of Lilu, Igwe Godson Onyediri, in his remarks, appealed to the governor for immediate assistance.
He described the murder and decapitation of Venerable Gabriel Obiesie’s wife, who was burned alongside their children, cars, and the entire property at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church parsonage, as sacrilegious, inhuman, and an abomination.
Responding, Chief Chukwulobelu commended the community for maintaining peace despite the intense provocation.
He assured them that Governor Soludo was aware of their plight and was actively working to restore peace in Lilu and other troubled areas in the state. The SSG collected their placards and promised to present their grievances to the governor later that day.
