AWKA: Unknown gunmen have attacked St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe, in Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing two people and setting several properties ablaze.
One of the victims was the wife of the church’s priest. The attackers also burnt vehicles, destroyed parts of the church building and razed the cleric’s residence during the assault, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
When our correspondent visited the church premises on Monday, the area was deserted. Burnt vehicles and other damaged items were seen scattered around the compound, while sections of the church building showed signs of fire damage.
Eyewitnesses said that the gunmen stormed the church as worshippers were preparing for Sunday service.
They reportedly opened fire and set buildings and vehicles within the premises on fire, throwing the community into panic.
The attackers were heavily armed and began shooting immediately they arrived, a resident said. They killed the priest’s wife and another person, injured several others, burnt the priest’s house, destroyed church vehicles and damaged part of the main church building.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Monday.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the attack and ordered intensified security operations in the area.
According to Ikenga, the police have deployed a joint security team, strengthened surveillance and launched intelligence-driven operations to track down those responsible for the attack.
The commissioner described the incident as a heinous and abominable act against innocent worshippers and a grave affront to peace and freedom of worship, Ikenga said.
The command has extended its sympathies to the families of the victims and the entire Lilu community and has assured them that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
He added that police operatives are following all leads and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
Lilu community, a border town between Anambra and Imo states, has experienced repeated security challenges in recent months.
