Lilu Monarch Reveals Why He Fled Community, Returns After Four Years
By Chibuzo Obidike
The traditional ruler of Lilu community in Anambra State, Sir Godson Chibuzor, popularly known as Igwe Ikenga, has revealed that threats from suspected unknown gunmen forced him to stay away from his community for about four years.
The monarch made the disclosure during an interview with Gbam, recalling how he fled Lilu on September 4, 2021, during the community’s New Yam Festival after receiving information that armed men were planning to attack him.
According to him, the group accused him of paying the Nigerian military N500 million to enter Lilu and kill them, an allegation he strongly denied.
Igwe Ikenga said he immediately left the festival ground after close associates and members of his cabinet advised him to leave the community over fears for his safety.
He alleged that following his departure, the situation deteriorated as the hoodlums took control of parts of the community, occupied people’s homes, sold lands and allegedly burnt houses.
The monarch said the group also began taking decisions for the community without challenge, creating an atmosphere of fear among residents.
He said that by 2024, he and some members of his cabinet and high chiefs began efforts to reclaim the community, holding meetings and seeking the intervention of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.
According to him, the intervention contributed to the formation of the local security arrangement known as FOB, while the community also strengthened collaboration with local vigilante groups to confront the armed men.
Igwe Ikenga said the security efforts, despite the challenges encountered, have yielded significant results, with military personnel now stationed around the Lilu and Orsumoghu axis.
The monarch said the return of peace was demonstrated during the latest New Yam Festival, which he attended after staying away from the community for about four years.
He described the successful celebration without any major security incident as a significant indication of the progress made in restoring peace and stability in Lilu.
“We have regained control of our community up to 90 per cent,” Igwe Ikenga said, expressing confidence that the remaining security challenges would also be overcome.
The monarch’s account provides an insight into the security challenges that affected Lilu in recent years and the combined efforts of community leaders and security personnel to restore normalcy.
