IHIALA, Nigeria — The peaceful rituals that usually accompany the burial of the deceased have taken a chilling turn in Anambra State, as communities grapple with demands from armed hoodlums known as ‘unknown gunmen’.
The communities of Isseke and Azia, situated in the Ihiala Local Government Area, have been thrust into an atmosphere of trepidation and distress.
According to reports on Saturday, June 24, 2023, these armed hoodlums, alleged to have separatist leanings, imposed stringent conditions on the communities regarding burial ceremonies.
They mandated that no more than 20 persons are to attend burials, or else the communities risk a violent attack.
Moreover, they have proscribed the presence of security operatives within the communities.
An anonymous female resident from one of the affected communities recounted a recent incident where a family was compelled to forgo the attendance of relatives at their mother’s funeral for fear of retribution.
She told journalists, “They warned that any family that dared them would be wiped out. We live in fear in this area, and many people have left the community for other areas.”
She further explained the grim reality facing grieving families, stating, “Only 20 persons attended the woman’s burial without in-laws, friends, and associates. What it means is that if it’s a large family, the person’s sons and daughters will not come close.”
The terrified resident further narrated how a family had to relocate to Onitsha to host guests post-burial, given that only a handful of individuals were permitted at the burial site.
She added, “It’s terrible and that’s the condition we have found ourselves in Anambra State.”
Attempts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, for comments on the matter were unsuccessful.
The presence and activities of these armed groups pose a significant threat to the social fabric of the communities, disrupting long-standing cultural practices and instilling a pervasive climate of fear.
With families unable to grieve and commemorate their loved ones according to traditions, there is growing concern over the degradation of community bonds.
As Anambra State contends with this looming menace, the need for security reinforcement and a strategic approach to curb the activities of these armed groups becomes ever more critical.
