Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Tension heightened in Awka, the Anambra State capital, as hundreds of protesters from a troubled community marched to the Government House, demanding urgent intervention from Governor Chukwuma Soludo over what they described as a devastating wave of violence that has left at least 20 of their kinsmen dead and more than 200 houses razed. The demonstrators, made up of community leaders, women, youths, and elders, accused the authorities of failing to act decisively despite repeated appeals for help.
The protesters arrived at the seat of power in the early hours, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards bearing messages that called attention to their plight. Many of the inscriptions demanded justice for the slain, protection for survivors, and immediate security action to prevent further bloodshed. Some banners bore photographs said to be of victims and destroyed homes, underscoring the scale of destruction that the community claims to have suffered.
According to representatives of the community, the violence unfolded over a series of attacks allegedly carried out by armed assailants who invaded the area under the cover of darkness. They claimed that homes were torched, residents were killed, and several families were forced to flee, leaving behind their belongings and farmlands. The community leaders said the attacks have effectively displaced hundreds of people, many of whom are now seeking refuge in neighboring towns and villages.
Addressing journalists outside the Government House, a spokesperson for the protesters described the situation as a “humanitarian tragedy” that has gone on for too long without adequate response. He alleged that despite multiple reports to security agencies and appeals to government officials, the community continued to suffer repeated assaults. “We are here because we can no longer cry in silence,” he said. “Our people are being killed, our homes are being burned, and our future is being destroyed.”
Women among the protesters narrated harrowing experiences, with some breaking down in tears as they spoke of losing husbands, children, and means of livelihood. One elderly woman said she watched helplessly as her house was set ablaze, forcing her family to escape with nothing but the clothes they wore. Others spoke of sleeping in open fields and relying on charity for food and shelter since the attacks began.
Youth leaders accused the state government of not taking their warnings seriously, claiming that early signs of tension and threats were ignored. They argued that a more proactive security presence could have prevented the escalation into what they now describe as a massacre. Some youths also expressed fears that the violence, if unchecked, could spread to neighboring communities, worsening insecurity in the region.
The protest disrupted normal activities around the Government House, drawing the attention of security personnel who formed a cordon to maintain order. Despite the heavy security presence, the demonstration remained largely peaceful, with community leaders repeatedly urging participants to avoid violence and allow dialogue to prevail. The protesters insisted that their mission was not to cause unrest but to compel the government to listen and act.
Officials of the Anambra State Government later engaged representatives of the protesters, assuring them that their concerns would be conveyed to the governor. A senior government aide who spoke on condition of anonymity said the administration was aware of security challenges in parts of the state and was working with federal security agencies to address them. He urged the community to remain calm and allow ongoing investigations and interventions to yield results.
However, the protesters said assurances alone were no longer enough. They demanded concrete actions, including the immediate deployment of security forces to their community, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings and arson, and the provision of relief materials for displaced families. They also called for compensation for destroyed homes and support to rebuild their community.
Civil society groups and human rights advocates have begun to react to the protest, calling for an independent investigation into the allegations. Some groups stressed that if the claims of mass killings and widespread arson are confirmed, it would represent a grave violation of human rights requiring urgent national attention. They urged both the state and federal governments to prioritize the safety of rural communities, which they say are increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks.
Security analysts note that Anambra State, like several parts of the South-East, has faced intermittent security challenges in recent years, including armed attacks, communal clashes, and criminal activities. They warn that unresolved grievances and perceived government inaction often deepen mistrust and can fuel cycles of violence. Analysts argue that beyond military or police responses, there is a need for sustained community engagement, intelligence gathering, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
As the protest continued, traffic around Awka experienced significant delays, with commuters forced to find alternative routes. Traders and residents expressed mixed reactions, with some sympathizing with the protesters’ cause and others worried about the economic impact of such demonstrations. Many, however, agreed that the allegations raised were too serious to be ignored.
By late afternoon, the protesters began to disperse after submitting a written petition to government officials. The document reportedly detailed the timeline of attacks, named villages affected, and outlined specific demands for action. Community leaders said they would closely monitor the government’s response and were prepared to return if tangible steps were not taken.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in parts of Nigeria and the growing frustration among communities that feel unprotected. For the affected Anambra community, the march to Governor Soludo’s office was not only a cry for justice but also a plea for survival. As they return to their ravaged homeland or temporary shelters, many await concrete action from the authorities, hoping that their voices have finally been heard and that decisive measures will follow to restore peace, rebuild lives, and prevent further loss of innocent lives.
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