At least two people were killed when armed assailants attacked St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Isiokwe, Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, early Sunday morning, December 7, 2025.
According to The PUNCH, attackers also set fire to vehicles and parts of the church premises, including the priest’s residence.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the community deserted in the aftermath of the attack. One resident said, “The hoodlums stormed the church just as worshippers were preparing for service.
They opened fire and set fire to the priest’s house, vehicles, and parts of the church building. Sadly, the priest’s wife and another person lost their lives.”
Police confirmed the incident and assured residents that security measures had been intensified.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemns in the strongest terms this brutal act. We have deployed a joint security team and strengthened surveillance across the area. No resource will be spared to apprehend those responsible.”
Ikenga added that the attack, “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.”
He urged residents to cooperate with the security forces and provide any information that could assist investigations.
Lilu community, located on the border between Anambra and Imo states, has reportedly faced security challenges from armed groups in recent months, making this latest attack part of a worrying pattern.
