Citypost News Desk
Lilu, a historic and once-thriving town in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, is now a shadow of its former self. What used to be a bustling community is today desolate and deserted, the silence of its streets a grim reminder of the terror that has gripped the area since 2020. The ongoing occupation by unknown gunmen operating under the guise of secessionist agitation has rendered Lilu uninhabitable, forcing its traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Godson Onyediri, and countless residents into exile.
Despite reports of a military-backed liberation by the Anambra State’s Agunechemba Security outfit, credible investigations by FactReporters.com.ng and statements from the exiled monarch confirm otherwise as Lilu remains firmly under siege.
The destruction is unprecedented. The Igwe’s palace, residence, security posts, and community centers like Akwalilu and Umuodochi village halls have all been burned or looted. Prominent residents including Chief Chidi Nwanoneze, Chief Christian Awugosi, and High Chief Ifeanyi Ozodimbu have had their homes and properties destroyed. All communication masts like Airtel, MTN, and 9Mobile, have been torn down, leaving the town digitally cut off from the outside world. Even power infrastructure hasn’t been spared: every transformer in the town has been looted.
Economically, Lilu is crippled. Over 20 businesses and private properties, including Mr. Olikagu’s once-thriving shopping mall and Chief James Ezeiheukwu’s home have been vandalized or incinerated. What remains is the rubble of dreams and the ashes of what was once a vibrant local economy.
The human cost, however, is most devastating. At least 27 residents have been killed in the ongoing violence. Names like Nze Nicholas Olikagu, Chinyere Ann Nwanoneze, Kingsley Okeke, Ada Ginger, and young Chigozie, son of Cornelius, are mourned not just by their families but by a town that has lost its soul.
In a press release issued on February 1, 2025, the Palace Secretary, Chief Osita Dominic Okoli, quoted Igwe Onyediri as debunking reports of the town’s liberation. He emphasized that non-state actors still hold Lilu hostage and called on the Agunechemba Security Squad to intensify efforts to truly reclaim the town.
This is more than a local issue, lit is a humanitarian crisis. The people of Lilu are not merely statistics in a security report; they are Nigerian citizens whose rights to life, dignity, and heritage are under direct assault.
The time has come for the Anambra State Government and the Federal Government to take decisive, coordinated action. Security agencies must not only reclaim Lilu but also ensure the safe return of its displaced population. The Agunechemba Security Squad must move from policy to action, from pronouncement to performance.
Infrastructure must be rebuilt. Communications must be restored. Families must be resettled. Above all, justice must be served, and those responsible for this reign of terror must be held accountable.
More Photos:
