Residents of Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday took to the streets to protest the continued killings and violent attacks carried out by gunmen. The protesters, made up of men, women and elderly people, marched from Aroma Junction in Awka to the Government House to demand urgent intervention from Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
They said they were protesting to draw the government’s attention to the growing insecurity in their community. The protesters held placards calling for help and lamenting how many lives have been lost, including the recent attack at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Lilu, where the priest’s wife and another person were reportedly killed.
A community representative, Emeka, explained that residents are living in fear due to repeated attacks that started years ago. He noted that the community’s first major incident led to the death of 11 people, and since then, killings, kidnappings and the destruction of homes have continued. He added that the latest attack at the church left nine people dead and forced the community to pause the burial of two victims because two others with severe injuries later died in the hospital.
He said the attackers often take people away and threaten to sacrifice them, adding that anyone who speaks out is targeted the next day. According to him, about 85 per cent of the entire community now lives outside Lilu for safety, and no home has been spared from violence or abductions.
A representative of the community’s traditional ruler described the murder of the priest’s wife and the burning of parts of the church as acts against the community’s values and humanity.
The Secretary to the State Government, Solo Chukwulobelu, received the protesters on behalf of the governor. He appealed to them to remain calm and assured them that the government was aware of their situation. He collected their placards and promised to brief the governor about their demands.
Earlier reports from the affected church showed burnt vehicles and scattered property, with the premises deserted after the attack.