There is rising apprehension as armed gangs, commonly known as ‘Unknown Gunmen,’ have imposed conditions on two communities in Anambra State regarding burial ceremonies.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Isseke and Azia communities, located in Ihiala Local Government Area, have fallen under the control of these armed gangs, who operate under the banner of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or Eastern Security Network (ESN).
This newspaper learnt that over the weekend, the armed gangs unveiled their conditions, demanding that burial ceremonies in the communities should not exceed 20 attendees. They warned that failure to comply would expose the burial ceremonies to their attacks.
Furthermore, the communities were informed that security forces would no longer be allowed in the area. Individuals returning to the communities for the burial of their deceased relatives, friends, or associates were instructed not to bring any member of the Nigerian defence or security forces along with them.
The fear of these armed gangs has already caused a family to bury their mother without the presence of their relatives, as they were apprehensive about potential attacks, the Authority Newspaper reports.
According to a source, “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.”
The burial ceremony had a restricted attendance of only 20 individuals, excluding in-laws, friends, and associates. In larger families, sons and daughters were unable to participate.
The situation has forced the affected family to relocate to Onitsha, where they could entertain guests, as only 20 people were allowed access to the burial site. The prevailing conditions in Anambra State are distressing, trapping the community in fear.
This newspaper learnt that although attempts to reach the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, for confirmation were unsuccessful, community leaders, have verified the developments.
