Lilu Monarch Weeps Over Years of Carnage, Sets 90-Day Target for Return to Normalcy

His Majesty Igwe Barrister Godson Onyediri

By Chuks Collins, Awka

The traditional ruler of Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Majesty Igwe Barrister Godson Onyediri, was overcome with emotion on Friday as he recounted the scale of human and material losses suffered by his people over the past five years due to insurgency and violent unrest.
The visibly distraught monarch openly wept while narrating how lives were lost, homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered during the prolonged period of insecurity that ravaged Lilu and neighbouring communities along the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, bordering the Orlu axis of Imo State.
Despite the devastation, Igwe Onyediri commended the resilience and determination of the people, particularly the youths, noting that Lilu is already on a steady path to recovery.
The monarch, whose palace and personal residence were completely razed in the early stages of the violence, said the destruction touched virtually every part of the community. Nevertheless, he expressed pride in the collective resolve demonstrated by the youths.
According to him,“Our youths, knowing full well that we have no other home apart from Lilu, chose to organize themselves, pool both human and material resources, and chart a way forward. I commend every one of you for your courage and sacrifice.”
Reassuring the people, the monarch declared that peace and stability would soon be fully restored to the community.
“I want to assure all citizens of Lilu that all shall be well again. It will not be long. Within the next 90 days, Lilu ga-adikwa nma ozo,” he said.
The Igbo expression, he explained, means that within the next three months, the community would regain normalcy and stability.
Igwe Onyediri admitted that the scale of wanton destruction suffered by the community was enormous but expressed optimism that the dark chapter would soon become history.
He also spoke glowingly of the efforts of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, towards restoring peace in the community.
“Governor Soludo has not forgotten Lilu. In fact, he has done more for Lilu than over 90 percent of other communities in the state,” the monarch stated.
He noted that the prolonged crisis had drained the community of enormous resources, stressing that only those directly affected could truly understand the magnitude of the losses incurred.
Calling for renewed collective effort, the monarch urged more citizens to actively participate in the rebuilding of Lilu, emphasizing that the community has no alternative homeland.
He appealed to all stakeholders, sons and daughters of Lilu—regardless of social status or political affiliation to discard divisive tendencies and work together for lasting peace and development.
Igwe Onyediri, however, expressed displeasure with individuals he accused of praying for, or actively working against, peace and progress in the community.
He warned such persons to have a rethink, noting that the ancestors and forebears of the land, whom he represents, would not remain silent indefinitely.
“Posterity will not forget those who are working tirelessly to restore peace, just as it will remember those who chose to stand against the collective good,” he said.
The monarch also commended the youths of Lilu for their personal initiative in organizing the recent national conference, describing it as a crucial step toward unity, reconciliation, and sustainable rebuilding of the community.