Lilu Community Pleads for Help After Years of “Mindless Killings” by Gunmen, Alleges Government Abandonment

Residents of Lilu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State have issued a desperate plea for intervention, stating that their community has endured over five years of violent attacks and become a “place of bloodbath” at the hands of armed gunmen.

Community leaders, represented by Chairman Chief Barnabas Oko and Secretary Silas Nwabueze of the Lilu Concerned Citizens, lament that both the state government and police have failed to act despite a peaceful protest and appeal made at the Government House in Awka over three weeks ago.

The crisis, linked to secessionist agitations, has reportedly claimed over 100 lives, with many others abducted and missing. The community highlighted a recent attack on December 7, where assailants stormed St. Andrews Anglican Church, killing the priest’s wife and another person, injuring several, and burning vehicles. The traditional ruler’s palace has also been razed.

“Our community has been turned into a place of bloodbath and persistent mindless killings of our kith and kin,” the statement read. “Our elderly have been turned into refugees… and the youths have fled.”

Leaders expressed frustration that after being received by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, who promised to brief Governor Chukwuma Soludo, no tangible action or security reinforcement has followed. They noted that even previously stationed security operatives have been withdrawn.

“We are worried whether Lilu is still part of Anambra State,” the statement added, pointing to “apparent government indifference.”

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that while no arrests have been made, “serious security operations are ongoing in the areas.” The community continues to call for decisive government intervention to end the siege.

Residents of Lilu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State have issued a desperate plea for intervention, stating that their community has endured over five years of violent attacks and become a “place of bloodbath” at the hands of armed gunmen.

Community leaders, represented by Chairman Chief Barnabas Oko and Secretary Silas Nwabueze of the Lilu Concerned Citizens, lament that both the state government and police have failed to act despite a peaceful protest and appeal made at the Government House in Awka over three weeks ago.

The crisis, linked to secessionist agitations, has reportedly claimed over 100 lives, with many others abducted and missing.

The community highlighted a recent attack on December 7, where assailants stormed St. Andrews Anglican Church, killing the priest’s wife and another person, injuring several, and burning vehicles. The traditional ruler’s palace has also been razed.

“Our community has been turned into a place of bloodbath and persistent mindless killings of our kith and kin,” the statement read. “Our elderly have been turned into refugees… and the youths have fled.”

Leaders expressed frustration that after being received by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, who promised to brief Governor Chukwuma Soludo, no tangible action or security reinforcement has followed.

They noted that even previously stationed security operatives have been withdrawn.

“We are worried whether Lilu is still part of Anambra State,” the statement added, pointing to “apparent government indifference.”

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that while no arrests have been made, “serious security operations are ongoing in the areas.” The community continues to call for decisive government intervention to end the siege.