Anambra monarch weeps over five years of insurgency in Igboland

The traditional ruler of Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area, His Majesty Igwe Godson Onyediri, broke down in tears over the weekend as he recounted the devastating human and material losses suffered by his people over the past five years due to violent insurgency in the area.

Addressing youths who organised a community summit, the monarch described the period as a time of deep sorrow and destruction.

He said his palace and residence were completely razed in the early stages of the attacks that also affected neighbouring communities along the Anambra-Imo border in the Southern Senatorial zone.

The summit, convened by youths of the community, aimed to chart a recovery plan and mobilise resources for rebuilding.

Igwe Onyediri commended the young leaders for their initiative and urged the community to embrace unity and collective action.

“You chose to organise yourselves and pool human and material resources to chart a way forward. I commend you all,” the monarch said, noting that the community had no other place to call home.

Despite the deep emotional scars, Onyediri expressed optimism about the community’s future. He assured residents that Lilu was already on the path to recovery and that the era of violence and brigandage would soon be a thing of the past.

“I want to assure you and all citizens of Lilu that all shall be well again. It won’t be long,” he said.

The monarch also prayed that the tragic destruction and loss of life would never recur in the community.

Igwe Onyediri praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for not neglecting Lilu. He revealed that the governor has ongoing plans to uplift the community, adding that progress was already taking shape on the ground.

With these developments, the monarch said those who fled the community, including himself, would soon return home.

The traditional ruler urged all citizens to play active roles in rebuilding the community and fostering peace.

He appealed to stakeholders, sons and daughters of Lilu, to reject divisive tendencies and work together regardless of social status.

“We have no other place to call home other than Lilu. I urge our stakeholders, sons and daughters, to jettison every form of divisive tendency and to pursue collective peace for all,” he said.

Onyediri also condemned individuals he accused of undermining peace and development in the community, warning that their actions would not be forgotten by future generations.

The emotional address highlighted the resilience of the people of Lilu and their determination to rebuild after years of insurgency.

As the community moves toward recovery, the monarch’s message underscores a growing sense of hope and unity among residents who have endured years of fear, displacement, and destruction.