Two people have been killed after unidentified armed attackers stormed St. Andrews Anglican Church in the Isiokwe area of Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, setting vehicles and the cleric’s residence ablaze.
During a visit to the scene on Monday, our correspondent learned that the priest’s wife was among the victims. Parts of the church building were also damaged in the attack.
The church compound was deserted, and scattered belongings were visible across the premises.
Residents and eyewitnesses told PUNCH Online that the assault, which happened early Sunday morning, disrupted worship and caused widespread panic.
One source said, “A violent attack took place at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe in Lilu, Ihiala LGA early Sunday. The armed men stormed the church while worshippers were preparing for service, opened fire, and set several structures on fire.
“They tragically killed the priest’s wife and one other person, injured several others, burned down the priest’s house, destroyed church vehicles, and damaged part of the main church building. It is heartbreaking that such an atrocity on a holy day in a Christian community has barely been acknowledged.”
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Monday.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has intensified intelligence operations, deployed a joint security team, and increased surveillance across the area.
According to him, “The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the December 7 attack by armed criminals that resulted in the death of one person, left others seriously injured, and partially burned a church building in Lilu, Ihiala LGA.
“This vile act against innocent worshippers is not only an attack on the community but also a violation of our shared values of peace, the sanctity of life, and freedom of worship. The command extends its deepest condolences to the victims’ families and the Lilu community, and assures the public that the perpetrators will be relentlessly pursued.”
He added that no community should endure such terror and emphasized that the police will not allow criminal elements to undermine the state’s stability.
Ikenga noted that investigators are following every lead and that all necessary resources will be deployed to bring the attackers to justice.
He urged residents to remain calm and support security efforts by providing useful information, assuring that the police remain committed to safeguarding lives and property in Ihiala and beyond.
Lilu, a border community between Anambra and Imo states, has experienced persistent attacks from armed groups for several months.
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