Community in Anambra Protests Killings, Appeals to Soludo for Urgent Interventi
Residents of Anambra Community Demand Justice, Seek Soludo’s Action Over Killing
…The violent gun attacks on our community started several years ago. In our first tragic experience, 11 of our kinsmen were killed, and the violence has persisted.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times |Residents of Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday staged a protest against the recurring killings and attacks by gunmen, urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo to take urgent action.
The demonstrators comprising men, women, and elderly residents condemned what they termed “senseless killings” that have plagued the community, including last Sunday’s attack on St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Lilu, where the priest’s wife and another individual were reportedly killed.
The protesters marched from Aroma Junction in Awka to the Government House, also known as the “Light House,” carrying placards bearing messages such as “Enough is enough,” “Soludo rescue us,” “Lilu is bleeding,” “Over 100 killed by unknown gunmen,” and “Our parents are refugees.”
They were received on behalf of the governor by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu.
Speaking for the community, a representative identified as Emeka said the residents staged the protest to alert the government to the deteriorating security situation in Lilu.
He explained that the community was compelled to postpone the burial of two victims after learning that two other people who suffered severe machete injuries during Sunday’s attack had died in the hospital.
According to him, “The violent gun attacks on our community started several years ago. In our first tragic experience, 11 of our kinsmen were killed, and the violence has persisted. Many houses have been set ablaze, and even the palace of our traditional ruler was destroyed.”
“In the most recent attack, which took place on Sunday at St. Andrews Anglican Church, nine people were killed.
“To date, more than 20 indigenes have been killed in the ongoing wave of violence in our community. The assailants abducted some of our kinsmen, claiming they intended to sacrifice them to their gods. Anyone who dares to speak out is often murdered the following day.”
“We appeal to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for urgent intervention. Each passing day has become a battle for survival in our community, as our people are being abducted, killed, or vanishing without any trace.”
Emeka decried the situation, revealing that nearly 85 per cent of the community’s population has been displaced to neighbouring towns. He noted that no family in Lilu has escaped the wave of killings and kidnappings.
Speaking on behalf of the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Godson Onyediri, a representative condemned the attacks, including the murder of a priest’s wife and the vandalisation of church property, describing them as “inhumane and sacrilegious.”
In response, the Secretary to the State Government urged calm, reassuring the demonstrators that the governor was fully aware of their suffering and was taking steps to restore peace in Lilu and other affected parts of the state.
He also received the protesters’ placards and pledged to convey their concerns directly to the governor.
“The state governor remains steadfast in his commitment to achieving lasting peace in Lilu and other flashpoints across the state,” the SSG stated.
Earlier, iNews Times reported an attack on St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Isiokwe, Lilu, during which two people, including the priest’s wife, were killed, and sections of the church were set on fire.
When our correspondent visited the scene, the area was deserted. Burnt vehicles and scattered belongings bore witness to the severity of the attack.
