The Anambra Police Command has confirmed the killing of a church member by unknown gunmen who attacked an Anglican Church in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state, leaving several others with varying degrees of injury.
The victim reportedly died from a gunshot wound after the attackers stormed the church premises during a Sunday service and opened fire on the congregation.
In addition to injuring many worshippers, the armed men reportedly set part of the church ablaze and destroyed properties within the compound.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Ikioye Orutugu, described the assault as “heinous and abominable,” saying it amounted to a direct violation of the community’s peace and an attack on freedom of worship.
“This is not only an assault on innocent worshippers but a grave affront to our shared values of peace and the sanctity of life. No community should be subjected to such brutality, and we will not allow criminals to instill fear in our people,” he said,
Orutugu said the command had deployed a Joint Security Team to the area and intensified intelligence-driven operations to track down those responsible, assuring that no resource would be spared in ensuring the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
The commissioner commiserated with the families of the victims and members of the Lilu community, urging residents to remain calm and assist ongoing investigations by volunteering credible information.
The police boss further reiterated the command’s commitment to securing lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state.
