Hoodlums attack Anambra church, kill two

Gunmen Attack St. Andrews Anglican Church in Anambra, Kill Two and Burn Cleric’s Home

In a shocking act of violence, unidentified armed assailants launched a deadly attack on St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe in Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing two people and destroying multiple properties. www.cjsoftflix.com can confirm that the wife of the church priest was among those gruesomely murdered.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed the church in the early hours of Sunday as worshippers prepared for service. The heavily armed men opened fire, causing worshippers to flee in panic, before setting fire to vehicles, buildings, and the priest’s residence.

Scene Deserted as Properties Lay in Ruins

When our correspondent visited the church premises on Monday, the area was deserted, with burnt structures, scattered belongings, and charred remains of vehicles painting a grim picture of the horror that unfolded.

Residents who spoke to www.cjsoftflix.com said the attackers arrived unexpectedly and wreaked havoc for several minutes before escaping. One resident described the scene as “brutal and heartbreaking,” especially given that it occurred on a Sunday morning within a Christian worship center.

Eyewitness Account of the Attack

One source narrated:

The hoodlums invaded the church while members were preparing for worship.
They opened fire sporadically, killing the priest’s wife and another member.
Several people sustained injuries of varying degrees.
The priest’s house was razed completely, along with church vehicles and parts of the main building.

He lamented that such a wicked act committed “on a holy day in a Christian community” has not received the level of attention it deserves.

Police Confirm Attack, Launch Intensive Operations

The spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack, noting that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered intensified operations and deployment of a joint security team in the area.

According to Ikenga, the CP condemned the attack “in the strongest terms,” describing it as a heinous and abominable act against innocent worshippers and a serious affront to peace and freedom of worship.

Ikenga said: “The command expresses deep sympathy to the families of the victims and assures that no resource will be spared in tracking down the perpetrators.”

He added that surveillance had been strengthened and that investigators are following all leads to ensure those responsible are apprehended.

Police Urge Calm as Investigations Continue

Residents of Lilu and surrounding communities have been urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful intelligence.

The Lilu community, a border town between Anambra and Imo states, has suffered multiple attacks in recent months and remains an area of concern for security forces.

www.cjsoftflix.com will continue to monitor the situation closely and bring updates as security operations unfold.

Hoodlums attack Anambra church, kill two