Insecurity: Hoodlums Give Anambra Communities Conditions for Burials

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Two communities in Anambra State have been allegedly given conditions on how to bury their deceased loved ones by hoodlums colloquially referred to as ‘unknown gunmen’.

The communities, Isseke and Azia, are both in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state, where activities of the hoodlums, said to be separatist elements, are rife.

At the weekend, it was gathered that the communities were mandated by the hoodlums not to conduct burials with more than 20 persons in attendance or risk attack.

They were also told that security operatives would no longer be allowed in the community and that those coming back for the burial of their deceased relatives, friend or associates must be warned not to come home with security men.

According to a source in the community, who is also an indigene, a family buried their mother recently without their relatives for fear of being attacked by the gunmen.

The source said: “They warned that any family that dares them would be wiped out. We live in fear in this area and many people have left the community to other areas.

“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 family had to relocate to Onitsha to entertain guests because only 20 persons were allowed access to the burial place. It’s terrible and that’s the condition we have found ourselves in Anambra State.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached to confirm the report.