Lion Squad gunmen overrun Anambra community, 20 reported dead

A group known as the “Lion Squad” has wreaked havoc upon the Ogwuaniocha community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, resulting in the death of over 20 people and numerous injuries. The unknown gunmen, operating under this menacing name, have caused immense distress in the region, and local women, including many elderly individuals, have taken to the streets in protest.

These women, distressed by the relentless violence, abductions, and property destruction in their community, rallied in Onitsha and surrounding areas to demand action against the “Lion Squad.” Their grievances include the abduction of their monarch, Igwe Oliver Nnaji, in 2021, whose whereabouts remain unknown to this day.

Nkemdilim Onwurah, one of the women leaders, disclosed that the “Lion Squad” launched fresh attacks last Friday, prompting many residents to flee the community. The community, which is rich in oil resources and contributes to Anambra’s “oil-producing” status, has been struggling with insecurity and violence.

Despite the dire situation, the state government appears to have abandoned the community, leaving only the area where the oil company operates protected by security forces. The rest of the community has been infiltrated by these gunmen, who have fled from Orsu, Lilu, and Ihiala communities.

These criminals have sought refuge in Ogwuaniocha, where they have established camps and continued their reign of terror. Many residents have been displaced, with families now hiding in the bushes for safety. In the recent attack, the gunmen, under the “Lion Squad,” invaded the bushes where these families were hiding, killing over 20 people and injuring many others.

Market and economic activities have ground to a halt due to the constant threat posed by these criminals, with children no longer attending school. The residents are urgently seeking intervention from the Anambra State government to end these atrocities.

Cecilia Okonkwo, another protester, noted that the same criminal elements abducted the traditional ruler of the community in November 2021, and his whereabouts remain unknown to this day. These criminals, who have fled from the Ihiala and Orlu areas, have now established camps within the community, such as “Longinus Camp,” “Ose Mkpuruosisu,” “Onuiyi Camp,” and “Usham Ogwuaniocha Annex,” from which they continue to terrorize the area.

The latest spate of attacks occurred between October 19 and October 20 when the terror gangs, along with the Lion Squad, attacked innocent citizens, leaving them injured and battered.

Ngozi Freda, in tears, recalled the terror gang’s attack on the Igwe’s palace in November 2021, where they set it on fire and kidnapped the monarch. She emphasized that the insecurity and killings began as soon as oil was discovered in the community. The criminals formed alliances and sought control of the community’s resources.

While these atrocities continue, the state government has seemingly ignored the community’s plight, only providing security to the areas where the oil company operates.

The distressed women are urging the governor to come to their rescue, confident that he will listen and address their grievances. As of now, the state police public relations officer has stated that he is not aware of the ongoing insecurity and killings in Ogwuaniocha community.