Pastor’s Wife, Worshipper Killed as Gunmen Attack Anambra Church

Unidentified armed men have attacked St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe, located in the Lilu community of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing two people, burning several vehicles, and destroying the priest’s residence.

Information gathered at the church on Monday revealed that the priest’s wife was among the two victims. Portions of the church building were also set ablaze during the assault. The compound and surrounding areas appeared deserted, with various items scattered across the premises.

Residents and witnesses confirmed that the incident, which happened early Sunday morning, disrupted worship activities and caused widespread panic.

According to one source, “A brutal attack took place at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe, in Lilu community of Ihiala LGA in the early hours of Sunday. The heavily armed attackers stormed the church as worshippers prepared for Sunday service, shooting indiscriminately and setting properties, including buildings on the premises, on fire.

“Sadly, they murdered the wife of the church priest and one other person. Several others sustained injuries. The priest’s house was completely burnt, alongside some church vehicles and other property, including parts of the main church structure.

“This horrific act, committed on a holy day in a Christian church within a Christian community, has received little attention from people who are usually quick to comment on incidents elsewhere.”

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Monday. He stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had intensified intelligence-driven operations, deployed a joint security team, and increased surveillance in the area.

Ikenga said, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemns the attack carried out on December 7, 2025, by armed criminals, which led to the death of one person. Several people also suffered serious injuries, and parts of a church building, along with other properties, were destroyed at a church premises in Lilu, Ihiala LGA.

“The CP describes this horrendous act against innocent worshippers as not only an assault on the community but also a grave attack on our shared values of peace, the sanctity of life, and the freedom of worship.

“The command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Lilu community, assuring the public that the police will relentlessly pursue the perpetrators to ensure they face justice.

“No community should be subjected to such cruelty. The command remains determined to prevent criminals from instilling fear or disrupting the peace we are working hard to preserve.

“In response, the command has intensified intelligence operations, deployed the Joint Security Team, and strengthened surveillance across the area.”

Ikenga added that police operatives were following all available leads and that no effort would be spared in tracking down those responsible.

He urged residents to remain calm and support the Joint Security Team with relevant information to aid ongoing investigations.

“The command is committed to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state,” he said.

Lilu, a border community between Anambra and Imo states, has been under persistent attacks by gunmen for several months. (THE PUNCH)