In a shocking early-morning attack, unknown armed assailants invaded St. Andrews Anglican Church in Isiokwe, Lilu community of Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, killing two people, including the wife of the resident priest, setting church buildings on fire and reducing the cleric’s apartment to ashes.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday — just as worshippers were getting ready for Sunday service. The gunmen entered the church compound with heavy weaponry, opened fire and subsequently set fire to church property including vehicles and part of the main building.
One of the witnesses described the assault as “brutal,” saying:
“They invaded the church … started shooting, setting properties on the church premises … Unfortunately, they brutally murdered the wife of the church priest and one other person.”
By Monday morning, the once–active church compound was deserted. Scorched debris, burnt vehicles and wrecked property littered the premises — physical evidence of a horrifying act of violence.
The wife of the cleric was confirmed among the dead. The identity of the second victim has not been immediately disclosed. Several others were reportedly injured.
Responding to the incident, Anambra State Police Command confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga. The Police said the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the assault in the strongest terms. He ordered an intensified, intelligence-driven manhunt, and deployed a joint security team to the area. Surveillance across Ihiala LGA has also been strengthened.
According to Ikenga, no resources will be spared — the command is following every lead to apprehend those responsible, and has appealed to residents to provide any useful information that can aid investigations.
The attack has left the Lilu community traumatized. Locals who spoke to journalists expressed fear and grief. One source lamented that an act of “ungodly” violence had been committed in a place of worship — on a holy day — without widespread public outcry. The source wondered why such atrocities swiftly attract national attention when they occur elsewhere but seem to be ignored when they hit small communities like theirs.
This tragic incident adds to a worrying pattern of violent attacks on places of worship in Anambra State and across the South-East region. Over the years, several attacks on churches — sometimes with high casualties — have drawn condemnation from the public, religious leaders, and security agencies.
As of Monday, normalcy is yet to return to the Lilu community. The burnt-out compound remains cordoned off, and residents are anxious, fearful that the attackers may strike again. Security forces have assured the public that vigilance will be maintained. The community — and Nigeria at large — await justice for the victims.
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