It was gathered that the hoodlums mandated the communities not to conduct burials with more than 20 persons in attendance or risk attack.

Two communities in Anambra state have been given conditions by gunmen to bury their dead ones.

The communities, Isseke and Azia, are both in the Ihiala Local Government Area of the state, where activities of hoodlums said to have separatist elements are rife.

Over the weekend, it was gathered that the hoodlums mandated the communities not to conduct burials with more than 20 persons in attendance or risk attack.

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They were also told that security operatives would no longer be allowed in the community and that persons coming back for the burial of their deceased relatives, friend or associates must be warned not to go home with security men.

According to a source in the community, a family buried their mother recently without their relatives for fear of being attacked by the gunmen.

The source, a lady, said: “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.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached to confirm the report.