Tension continues to rise in parts of Anambra State ahead of Saturday’s election as residents of communities currently occupied by gunmen have vowed not to return home to cast their votes.
The residents say their decision is driven by persistent insecurity, despite repeated assurances from government officials and security agencies that the affected areas have been cleared of hoodlums. Many claim that the gunmen still occupy the surrounding forests and rural settlements, making it impossible for displaced people to return to their ancestral homes.
The troubled communities include Lilu, Isseke, Orsumoghu, and parts of Ihiala in Ihiala Local Government Area. Others are Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area, and Owerre-Ezukala and Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area. These once-thriving towns have reportedly been under siege for over two years, with many residents fleeing to neighbouring towns and cities for safety.
When The Nation visited Eke-Awka Market on Monday, some traders from the affected areas expressed anger and frustration over what they described as government failure to protect lives and property.
A woman who sells tomatoes and onions at the market said she had no plans to travel home for the election.
“I am from Lilu, and I will be the last person to travel home in the name of voting for anyone,” she said.
“Where were they when my son was killed in February? Where were they when innocent people were being murdered daily by those who have taken over our bushes? My once-beautiful community, which used to be our pride, has been under the control of hoodlums for more than two years. Everyone is afraid to go there and rescue it. We cannot hold any ceremonies anymore. The place looks like a ghost town.
They should conduct their election and leave some of us alone to mourn our loved ones. No fewer than 50 people have been killed in my community, and many houses have been burnt. We are not interested in their election,” the 56-year-old aggrieved woman lamented.
Another resident, a civil servant from Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area who pleaded anonymity, said she had resolved to remain indoors with her children throughout the election period.
The 51-year-old woman recalled how her elder sister and niece were brutally murdered in October 2024 while returning from their farm, leaving their community in fear and despair. Since then, she said, no one had dared to return to the area.
“The governor and the police keep telling us to go about our normal business, but they surround themselves with countless security personnel,” she said. “Who is deceiving whom? We know all eyes will be on Anambra that day, but those boys operating in the bushes are dangerous. Nobody understands their methods. Everyone is afraid of them, and no one wants to lose their life,” the Level 12 officer stated.
Residents have expressed skepticism over recent security assurances from the government. Despite the signing of a peace accord by candidates contesting in the election, tension remains widespread across the state, especially in rural areas where attacks have been frequent in recent months.
Community leaders and civil society groups have also raised concerns that voter turnout in affected areas may be extremely low, warning that the voices of thousands of displaced persons could go unheard if security is not urgently restored.
In response, the Anambra State Police Command said adequate arrangements had been made to protect lives and property during the polls. The command assured that all flashpoints and vulnerable communities would be properly secured, with patrol teams and surveillance helicopters deployed throughout the state.
Similarly, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has pledged that no community will be left out of the voting process. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed that the commission had finalized security arrangements with law enforcement agencies.
“There is no cause for alarm,” Dr. Agwu stated. “We have met with the security operatives and mapped out strategies to ensure that every polling unit is protected. INEC is fully prepared to conduct a credible election.”
However, many residents remain unconvinced. Some argue that security forces have repeatedly promised protection in the past but failed to respond effectively when attacks occurred.
For now, the displaced residents say they would rather stay away from their homes than risk their lives. Their message is clear. Until peace returns and the gunmen are completely driven out, voting is not an option.
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