Written by ASOEGWU on Facebook
For five years, the once–peaceful communities of Ihiala LGA in Anambra State have lived under fear, uncertainty, and violence. According to a resident, ASOEGWU, the region has never recovered from the impact of insecurity unleashed by the activities associated with Nnamdi Kanu and his followers.
In a deeply emotional account, he narrates how cousins, friends, and relatives were kidnapped and terrorised, and how many others across Igboland lost parents, siblings, and loved ones to the brutality that spread through the region.
“Before Nnamdi Kanu, South East Was the Safest Region in Nigeria”
The writer recalls a time when the South East was one of the safest places to live and travel in Nigeria. For those in Ihiala:
Travelling at night was normal and safe.
Moving from Ihiala to Owerri or Total by midnight posed no danger.
Army checkpoints were few, and multiple routes through Lilu, Orsumoghu, and Azia were open and secure.
He describes years of seamless movement between Calabar, Onitsha, Igbariam, and various parts of Anambra State. Late-night returns to Ihiala, festive outings, swimming trips, and community gatherings were a regular part of life.
“Nnamdi Kanu Happened—and Took Everything Away”
According to him, everything changed with the rise of Nnamdi Kanu’s influence and the emergence of armed groups in the region. The fear of Unknown Gunmen (UGM), the presence of ESN, and various nonstate actors turned vibrant towns into ghost communities.
Ihiala, Lilu, Azia, Orsu—areas once buzzing with life—became danger zones.
He recounts a frightening experience while returning from Calabar through Orsu:
> “Orsu, a once bubbly town, was dead. The entire town was eerily quiet. That is the legacy of Nnamdi Kanu.”
“Igbo Killing Igbo — A Painful Reality”
He laments that since the civil war (1967–1970), the region has not witnessed as much bloodshed and loss as it has in the last five years:
Young people killed in large numbers
Parents butchered
Children kidnapped
Clergymen murdered
Communities terrorised
“No region in Igboland suffered like Ihiala,” he insists, adding that the violence disrupted their lives, economy, and social activities. Many stopped returning home for Christmas—a tradition he personally kept from 2012 until 2019.
“Our Recovery Has Begun — And It Coincides With His Jail Sentence”
He strongly believes that Nnamdi Kanu should not be released, stating that the damage done to Ihiala and other communities should never be forgotten.
“Left to us in Ihiala, Nnamdi Kanu should never be released. He deserves to rot until he leaves this Earth.”
He concluded by expressing relief that Ihiala is slowly recovering—just as Nnamdi Kanu’s jail term continues.
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