By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The Lilu Community in Ihiala,
Anambra State, came to the state government recently to protest a wave of violence that has left about 20 people dead, including a priest’s wife and children, and resulted in roughly 200 houses—among them the monarch’s palace and several churches—being burnt.
Their spokesperson,Nze Donatus Olikaenyi( Nzeakonobi of lilu) Emeka, told Secretary to the State Government Solo Chukwulobelu that the attacks began years ago, with the first incident claiming 11 lives and a later massacre on Sunday killing 9 more. He said the community has been forced to abandon burials, that many residents are now living as refugees in neighboring villages, and that anyone who speaks out is often killed the next day.
The protesters carried placards such as “Soludo rescue us,” “Lilu is on the verge of extinction,” and “Is Lilu actually in Anambra State?” The traditional ruler, Igwe Godson Onyediri, described the murder of Venerable Gabriel Obiesie’s wife—who was burnt with the St Andrew’s Anglican church parsonage, their children, cars and property—as sacrilegious and inhuman.
Chief Chukwulobelu acknowledged the community’s peaceful stance, said Governor Chukwuma Soludo is aware of the situation and is working on a lasting peace, and promised to present their grievances to the governor later that day .
