Ihiala, the headquarters of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been battling insecurity in the past few years. Random kidnappings, killings by hoodlums suspected to be unknown gunmen and cultists

On Friday day the 14th of March 2025, the people of Ihiala community in Anambra State decided to publicly protest against the rising insecurity in their area and made moves to expose those in the government of Anambra State from the community working with non-state actors to destabilize the community. The protest was directed at the Anambra State government in Awka, as the community seeks urgent intervention.

For the past four years, Ihiala, once a peaceful town, has become the epicenter of insecurity in the South East. The community alleges that certain individuals within the government are complicit in the crisis. Among those accused is Barr. Vincent Ezeaka, Chairman of the Anambra State Service Commission, who has been named as a collaborator with the unknown gunmen terrorizing the area.

Reports indicate that meetings were held in Ezeaka's official government office in Awka, involving the Chief Whip of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. Jude Ngobili. Following these meetings, certain Ihiala indigenes were sent to negotiate with non-state actors, including ESN terrorists. Tragically, some of these negotiators were killed, including Chief Emeka Obieche, popularly known as Agunechemba. It is also alleged that ransoms were paid to the unknown gunmen through Ezeaka to the terrorists.

Since the incident, Ezeaka and his group have reportedly been working to remove the President General (PG) of Ihiala Town Union, Barr. Okey Ohiagwu. Ohiagwu has been persistent in seeking justice for the Ihiala indigenes who were murdered by the unknown gunmen and for probity over the issue of the slain men.

In response to the escalating crisis, the PG and other members of the Ihiala Town Union Executive Committee were invited by the government to discuss the insecurity. Ihiala stakeholders, including youths and women, accompanied the PG to the government house to highlight their concerns. They carried placards with messages such as "We have Confidence in the President General" and "Investigate Vincent Ezeaka" amongst others.

According to the PG, the state government must expose those within its ranks who are fueling insecurity in the community. He emphasized these persons have been complicit in writing petitions and counter-petitions that have been destabilizing Ihiala, which he believes are aimed at removing him from office.

The Ihiala community remains resolute in its demand for justice and an end to the insecurity plaguing their town.