The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the authenticity of videos showing an attack on worshippers at an Anglican Church in Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area, on Sunday morning.
During the incident, armed attackers stormed the church, leaving several people injured. The wife of the presiding clergy was reportedly shot and lost her life.
In a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the attack.
He described the perpetrators as armed criminals who carried out a “heinous and abominable act” against innocent worshippers.
According to Ikenga, part of the church building was set on fire, and several properties were destroyed.
He quoted the Commissioner as saying:
“This attack on innocent worshippers is not only an assault on the community but also a grave affront to our values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship. No community should be subjected to such brutality.”
The CP expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and the entire Lilu community, assuring that the police will relentlessly pursue the attackers until they are arrested and brought to justice.
Ikenga added that the Command has intensified intelligence-led operations, deployed a Joint Security Team, and increased surveillance in the area.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to assist the investigation.
“The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property in Ihiala and across Anambra State,” he said.