Gunmen Storm Anglican Church In Anambra, Kill Two, Burn Priest’s Home And Vehicles

Unidentified gunmen have attacked St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe, in the Lilu community of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing two people, including the wife of the church’s priest, and setting buildings and vehicles on fire.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, threw the entire community into panic and disrupted worship activities as gunshots rang through the church premises.

When our correspondent visited the scene on Monday, the church compound was deserted. Burnt vehicles, damaged structures, and scattered belongings told a grim story of the violence that unfolded. Parts of the church building and the priest’s residence were also destroyed in the attack.

Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Online that the assailants, described as heavily armed, stormed the church just as worshippers were preparing for Sunday services. They opened fire indiscriminately and set properties within the premises ablaze.

One resident said the attackers brutally killed the priest’s wife and another person, injured several others, razed the priest’s apartment, and destroyed church vehicles and property.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the attack and ordered intensified security operations across the area.

According to him, the police have deployed joint security teams, strengthened surveillance, and launched intelligence-driven operations to track down the perpetrators.

Ikenga described the attack as a “heinous and abominable act” against innocent worshippers and a direct assault on the values of peace, the sanctity of life, and freedom of worship. He assured residents that no resource would be spared in ensuring the attackers are arrested and brought to justice.

He further urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with useful information to aid investigations.

The Lilu community, a border town between Anambra and Imo states, has been under persistent threat from armed gunmen for several months.