Panic engulfed the Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday when armed attackers stormed St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe, killing two people and setting parts of the church premises ablaze.
During a visit to the scene on Monday, our correspondent observed burnt vehicles, charred structures, and scattered debris, signs of a violent assault that left the area deserted.
Among the two people killed was the wife of the church’s priest.
Some sections of the church building and the cleric’s residence were also torched.
Residents said the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday as worshippers were preparing for church activities.
The gunmen reportedly arrived heavily armed, opened fire, and began burning property within the church compound.
One witness recounted, “The hoodlums invaded the church just as people were getting ready for Sunday worship. They started shooting and setting fire to buildings and vehicles.”
“They brutally murdered the priest’s wife and one other person. Many others were injured, and the priest’s house was completely razed.”
The eyewitness added that the incident caused widespread fear in the Christian community, lamenting the lack of public outrage over such an attack on a place of worship.
Spokesman 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 condemned the attack and ordered heightened intelligence operations and expanded surveillance in the area.
According to Ikenga, “The Commissioner of Police condemns, in strong terms, the armed attack carried out on December 7, 2025, which resulted in the death of one person, serious injuries to others, and the partial burning of the church building and its properties.”
He described the assault as a grave affront to peace, human life, and freedom of worship, assuring residents that the police would pursue the criminals relentlessly.
The command said it has mobilised a Joint Security Team and is following all available leads to ensure the attackers are apprehended and prosecuted.
Residents were urged to remain calm and provide useful information to support the investigation.
Lilu, a border community between Anambra and Imo states, has suffered recurring armed attacks in recent months.
Locals say the region has been under the grip of gunmen who routinely strike without warning, leaving residents in constant fear.
