A Sunday worship service turned tragic in Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, after gunmen invaded an Anglican church, killing the wife of the presiding priest and injuring several congregants.
The attack, which occurred during the morning service, has heightened tension across the state. It came barely 24 hours after armed men reportedly opened fire at Afor Market junction in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area, killing yet-to-be-determined victims.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the assailants stormed the church premises, leaving many worshippers wounded.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous and abominable act” against innocent citizens and a grave assault on the freedom of worship.
“The church building was partially burnt, and properties destroyed,” he said. “The command extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and assures that the perpetrators will be relentlessly hunted down.”
He noted that the police had intensified intelligence-driven operations, deployed joint security teams, and boosted surveillance across the area. Ikenga urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing useful information.
