Gunmen Attack Anambra Church, Kill Two, Burn Priest’s House and Vehicles
Two persons, including the wife of the resident priest, have been killed after armed assailants attacked St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe, in Lilu community of Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, also resulted in the burning of vehicles, the priest’s residence, and parts of the church building, forcing worshippers to flee as panic spread through the Area.
When our correspondent visited the scene on Monday, the church compound was deserted, with burnt vehicles and damaged structures scattered across the premises. Residents confirmed that several people were injured and that church activities were completely disrupted.
An eyewitness described the attack as shocking and coordinated.
“Heavily armed hoodlums invaded the church as worshippers were preparing for Sunday service. They started shooting and set buildings ablaze,” the source said.
“They killed the priest’s wife and one other person. Many others were injured. The priest’s house was burnt down completely, and church vehicles and properties were destroyed.”
Another resident expressed concern that the attack had not received the attention it deserved.
“This wicked act on a holy day has not had a single mention from those who quickly comment on other incidents,” the source lamented.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had ordered intensified operations and deployment of a Joint Security Team to the area.
Ikenga said the command received reports of the attack, which left one confirmed dead at the time of police arrival, with several others sustaining serious injuries and property destroyed.
Quoting the Commissioner, he said:
“This heinous and abominable act, committed against innocent worshippers, is not only an assault on the community but a grave affront to our shared values of peace, sanctity of life and freedom of worship.”
He added that surveillance has been strengthened and operatives were already pursuing leads on the perpetrators.
“No community should be subjected to such brutality. We will not allow criminals to instill fear or destabilize the peace we are tirelessly working to maintain,” the CP said.
“We shall relentlessly hunt down the perpetrators, and no resource will be spared to ensure they face the full weight of the law.”
The Police called on residents to stay calm and cooperate with security personnel by providing useful information.
“The command remains committed to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state,” Ikenga added.
Lilu, a border community between Anambra and Imo states, has been under repeated attacks by gunmen in recent months, prompting increased security patrols.
