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A tragic attack occurred at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe, in the Lilu community of Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, leaving two people dead, including the wife of the church priest.
The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, as worshippers were preparing for Sunday service. Armed assailants reportedly set parts of the church building and the priest’s residence on fire, and also torched several vehicles on the premises.
An eyewitness described the attack as “brutal,” saying the hoodlums stormed the church, opened fire, and destroyed property, adding that many people were injured.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the attack on Monday, December 8. Spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
“This heinous and abominable act, committed against innocent worshippers, is not only an assault on the community but a grave affront to our shared values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship,” the statement read.
Ikenga added that the police have intensified intelligence-driven operations, deployed a Joint Security Team, and strengthened surveillance in the area to apprehend the perpetrators. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing information to aid ongoing investigations.
“No resource will be spared in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” Ikenga said, assuring the public that the command is committed to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state.
