Gunmen attack Anambra church, kill priest’s wife, one other

Two people, including the wife of the church priest, have been killed after armed hoodlums attacked St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe, in the Lilu community of Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday and left parts of the church building, vehicles, and the priest’s residence destroyed by fire. 

According to the Punch, the church premises are deserted, with burnt items and damaged property scattered across the compound.

Eyewitnesses said that the heavily armed assailants stormed the church as members prepared for Sunday worship, opened fire, and set several structures ablaze.

One resident said, “They invaded the church while worshippers were getting ready for service. They shot repeatedly and set buildings on fire. Sadly, the priest’s wife and one other person were killed. Many were injured. The priest’s house was burnt to ashes along with church vehicles and parts of the main church building.”

The source described the attack as a shocking assault on a Christian community on a Sunday morning.

Police confirm attack, launch investigation

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Monday. He said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had deployed a joint security team and intensified intelligence operations in the area.

According to him, “The Commissioner of Police condemns the attack carried out by armed criminals, which resulted in the death of one person, with others sustaining serious injuries. Parts of the church building were burnt, and several properties were destroyed.”

He described the attack as “heinous and abominable,” stressing that it violated the community’s values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship.

The police assured residents that every resource would be used to track down the perpetrators.

Ikenga added, “Residents are urged to remain calm and support ongoing investigations with useful information. The command remains committed to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state.”

Community Under Threat

Lilu, a border community between Anambra and Imo states, has experienced repeated attacks from armed groups in recent months. 

Local residents say the area has been under the grip of criminal gangs for an extended period.

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