Unknown gunmen give Anambra communities conditions for burials

●●Bars security operatives, put maximum attendance at 20

There is shock in Anambra State communities as armed gangs popularly called ‘Unknown Gunmen’ have reportedly given two communities in the State conditions to fulfil before they bury their deceased loved ones.

The communities, Isseke and Azia, both in Ihiala Local Government Area of the State, are part of the areas where they armed gangs, who operate under the umbrella of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or Eastern Security Network (ESN) hold sway.

Part of the conditions given by the armed gangs, which they unveiled over the weekend, is that the communities, if they must conduct burials, would not have more than 20 persons in attendance.

They noted that failure to adhhere to their mandate means the burial ceremony risks attacks from them.

In addition, members of the communities were told that henceforth, security operatives would no longer be allowed in the area and that persons coming back for the burial of their deceased relatives, friends or associates must not come home with and member of the Nigerian defence or security forces.

Already, a family recently buried their mother without their relatives as they fear attacks from the armed gangs.

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.

“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.”

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached to confirm the report, but community leaders who wants to remain anonymous for their lives confirmed the development.