By Chuks Collins, Awka
Residents of Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised the alarm again following renewed attacks by gunmen, barely three weeks after they protested what they described as years of abandonment by the government.
The community had earlier marched to the Awka Light House to complain about what they said was a four-year siege by armed groups, during which they questioned whether Lilu was still part of Anambra State or had been effectively ceded to neighbouring Imo State.
Speaking to reporters, a community spokesperson who identified himself simply as Emeka for security reasons said no concrete action had followed their visit to the Government House, where they were received by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Solo Chukwulobelu.
“Since our visit, nothing has happened,” Emeka said. “The gunmen continue to move in and out of Lilu day and night, harassing residents at will.”
According to him, the latest attack occurred a few days ago, during which Mr. Chineze Nwaka was killed, while Chief Oliver Umeaku, a palace chief, was abducted. Several other residents, he added, remain missing.
Emeka alleged that the attackers described the incident as a “Christmas gift” to the community, leaving residents traumatised and fearful.
Speaking on behalf of the community, he appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene decisively. “When will enough be enough?” he asked, lamenting what he described as apparent government indifference to the plight of Lilu.
During a tour of the community, Emeka, accompanied by youths and members of a local vigilante group, showed journalists the remains of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, its parsonage, and burnt vehicles belonging to the parish priest, Rev. Canon Gabriel Obiesie. He said the cleric survived an earlier attack with serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. He also pointed out the ruins of the palace of the traditional ruler, HRH Igwe (Barrister) Godson Onyediri, which was reportedly set ablaze.
The SSG had reportedly assured the community that their grievances, as outlined on placards presented during their protest, would be conveyed to the governor.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a response from the Anambra State Commissioner for Information were unsuccessful, nearly six hours after inquiries were made.
Emeka expressed doubt about whether the governor was fully aware of the community’s situation, saying, “Sometimes we wonder if Lilu is even known on the state map.”
Reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said investigations into the attacks were ongoing.
However, the community spokesman dismissed the assurance, describing it as “mere rhetoric.” He claimed that no representative of the local, state, or federal government had visited Lilu since the violence began in 2019.
He concluded by saying the community was now prepared to seek help “from any quarter willing to listen and assist.”
