Lilu killings: Key Community Stakeholders Shun Youth Dev Conference on Way Forward

By OMAH NGOZI, Awka

 Jan 11, 2026

Following the killings that took place in Lilu, Ihiala local government area of Anambra state, youths and other stakeholders, have organised a 2-day community development conference as part of activities to deliberate on the terror activities plaguing the commenced.

The gathering, under the aegis of Lilu Youth Development Forum, LYDF, was organized on way out of the brigandage and terror that have have unleashed on members of the community over the years.

Themed "Productive Youths, Peaceful Community", the stakeholders reasoned that there was an urgent need to stem the ugly situation which resulted from unemployment and lack of education and skills.

The conference, which was held at Conference Hall of Ihiala Local Government Secretariat, attracted youths of Lilu and other neighboring communities in both Anambra and Imo States.

The 2-day gathering was however, shunned by key stakeholders, including Igwe Godson Onyediri, the member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Paschal Agbodike; security agencies, the Churches, the State and Local Government officials. No plausible excuse was given on their individual behalf even though some had anticipated they would turn up or send representation before it ended.

According to one of it's youth leaders and spokesperson who gave his name simply as Emeka (for security reasons), Lilu has been in the unfortunate grips of insurgency over the years with the insurgents launching sporadic attacks on the community killing/kidnapping citizens, robbing and torching properties.

The community consequently embarked on a peaceful protest against what they described as neglect by the Anambra State government over their plight in the past five years.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Solo Chukwulobelu, who received them on behalf of Gov Chukwuma Soludo, urged them to embark on intensive prayers.

Speaking during the conference, Chairman of Lilu Youths Development Forum (LYDF), Mr. Chinedu Ezeifedi, said the conference was not only an honour to Lilu but a powerful statement of unity, hope, and shared commitment to the future of the community.

"We have come together at a defining moment in our history, marked by challenges and opportunities," he said.

Mr. Ezeifedi emphasized that the campaign is a call to collective responsibility, urging traditional leaders, political leaders, and business leaders to support inclusive politics, genuine youth engagement, partnership investment, and opportunities that can unlock the productive potential of the youth in the town.

According to him, the LYDF was established to serve as a platform for positive youth engagement, leadership development, skill acquisition, peace advocacy, and community-driven solutions.

"This conference marks the beginning of a structured, sustained effort to reposition the youth as partners in development, rather than spectators of governance," he added.

The chairman also highlighted some achievements of the LYDF, including unity among youths in Lilu training and deployment of 25 developed security volunteers to complement existing security efforts, and procurement of a Toyota Tacoma Patrol Truck and five motorcycles dedicated to security operations.

Chief Felix C. Ojukwu from Umuzu village encouraged every Lilu citizen to embrace peace and eschew evil, preaching peace among neighbours for growth and development. The conference was aimed at promoteling peace, stability, and development in the community, with a focus on empowering youths to become agents of change.

One of the key troubled spots they considered was the issue of leadership of the town union. It was highlighted that all those interested in any executive position who are qualified should indicate when the time comes.