Residents of Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday stormed the Government House in Awka to protest the relentless killings and attacks by gunmen in their town.
Men, women, and elderly residents marched from Aroma Junction to the Government House, carrying placards with messages such as “Enough is Enough,” “Soludo Rescue Us,” “Lilu Is Bleeding,” “Over 100 Killed,” and “Our Parents Are Refugees.”
A representative of the community, Emeka, said they were forced into the streets after Sunday’s attack at St. Andrews Anglican Church, where the priest’s wife and another person were killed, while two others later died from machete wounds.
He revealed that the violence had persisted for years, beginning with an attack that claimed 11 lives, followed by repeated killings, abductions, and the burning of homes — including the monarch’s palace.
“In the latest attack, nine people were killed. Over 20 indigenes have died in the recent wave of violence,” he said. “About 85% of our people now live in exile. Every household has been touched by these killings.”
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A representative of the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Godson Onyediri, described the attacks as “sacrilegious and inhumane,” particularly the killing of the priest’s wife and the burning of church property.
Receiving the protesters, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, appealed for calm and assured them that Governor Chukwuma Soludo was working to restore peace in Lilu and other troubled communities.
He collected their placards and promised to brief the governor immediately.
Earlier reports showed that the church premises were deserted, with burnt vehicles and scattered belongings marking the aftermath of the attack.
