The Anambra State Police Command has verified the authenticity of videos showing an attack that occurred on Sunday morning at an Anglican Church in the Lilu community of the Ihiala Local Government Area, during which worshippers were targeted.
According to various reports, the wife of the church’s presiding priest was fatally shot, and several other members of the congregation sustained injuries.
In an official press statement released on Monday morning, Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the State Commissioner of Police (CP), Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the incident.
Ikenga identified the attackers as “armed criminals,” confirming that the assault resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to a few other people. He added that parts of the church structure were set on fire, and other property on the premises in Lilu was destroyed.
The Commissioner described the violence against innocent worshippers as a “heinous and abominable act,” calling it not only an attack on the community but also a grave insult to shared principles of peace, the sanctity of life, and religious freedom.
The Command expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and the Lilu community, assuring the public that the Police would aggressively pursue the offenders. The CP stressed that such brutality will not be tolerated, and the Command will prevent criminals from spreading fear or undermining the peace they are working hard to maintain.
To address the situation, Ikenga noted that the Command has already stepped up intelligence-led operations, deployed a Joint Security Team, and enhanced surveillance throughout the area. Operatives are actively pursuing all leads, with a promise that every necessary resource will be used to ensure the criminals are caught and face justice.
The Command urged residents to remain calm and support the Joint Security Team by sharing any valuable information that could assist the ongoing investigation. The Police reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property in Ihiala and across the entire state.
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