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By Tracy Moses
Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has again come under attack from yet-to-be-identified gunmen, leaving residents in fear and mourning, barely three weeks after a previous assault that left at least four people dead and several others abducted.
The community has endured recurrent attacks over the past five years. The first major incident was reported in 2019, when gunmen targeted homes and communal spaces, killing residents and abducting others. Since then, the violence has escalated, with attackers striking churches, the palace of the traditional ruler, and private homes.
In December 2025, just before Christmas, gunmen returned, killing a resident, Chinese Nwaka, with an axe in front of his elderly parents, abducting the town’s palace chief, Oliver Umeaku, and destroying the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church parsonage along with other property.
Despite repeated complaints and a visit to the Government House in Awka to petition the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, the community says no meaningful action has been taken.
The latest attack last week has reignited fear among residents, many of whom say the gunmen move freely day and night, leaving them helpless.
Speaking to journalists while showing the aftermath of the attack, a community spokesman, who gave his name simply as Emeka for security reasons, described the killings and destruction as devastating. “We are anguished and helpless,” he said, recounting how Nwaka was dismembered in front of his elderly parents. Emeka expressed frustration at what he described as the state government’s inaction.
“After the first attack, we stormed the government house in Awka to make the authorities aware of the prolonged insecurity in our community. We wanted to know whether we are still part of Anambra State or if we have been excised to the neighbouring Imo State.”
He said the Secretary to the State Government received the community members, collected their placards detailing their grievances, and promised to brief Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo. “But since that visit, no action or response has come from the authorities,” Emeka lamented. Journalists were shown the remnants of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, the parsonage, and charred vehicles belonging to Rev. Gabriel Obiesie, whose wife and children were killed during the previous attack. The cleric himself survived machete injuries and bullet wounds and is reportedly recuperating in an undisclosed hospital.
Emeka also led journalists to the burnt palace of the town’s traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Igwe Godson Onyediri, describing it as a stark symbol of the community’s suffering.
He questioned whether the SSG briefed the governor as promised and expressed doubt that the state government even knows the location of Lilu.
While attempts to reach the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, were unsuccessful, the Police Public Relations Officer of Anambra State, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, said investigations into the attacks are ongoing.
However, Emeka dismissed the claim as “mere playing to the gallery,” noting that no government agent, local, state, or federal, has set foot in the community since the attacks began.
He concluded by urging anyone willing to assist the beleaguered community to step forward. “We are ready to work with anyone who can help restore peace and safety to Lilu,” he said.
Security agencies have appealed to residents to provide information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Authorities stressed the importance of community cooperation in restoring law and order and encouraged anyone with tips to contact local police units immediately.