One person lost their life while several others were severely injured after armed criminals stormed a church in Lili, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday.
The confirmation came on Monday through a statement issued by the Anambra State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
Ikenga explained that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the incident, which occurred early Sunday morning. The church building suffered partial fire damage, and additional property within the compound was also destroyed during the violent attack.
Describing the assault as “heinous and abominable,” the Commissioner stressed that the criminals deliberately targeted peaceful worshippers and carried out an action that violates essential communal principles such as harmony, the value of human life, and the right to worship without fear.
The Police Command extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and the entire Lili community, assuring residents that law enforcement officers are fully committed to tracking down the attackers.
“No community should be subjected to such brutality,” CP Orutugu stated. “The command will not allow criminals to instill fear or destabilize the peace we are working tirelessly to maintain.”
According to the statement, the Police Command has intensified intelligence-led operations, deployed the Joint Security Team, and increased surveillance across the area. Officers are pursuing every available lead, and no effort will be spared to ensure that the individuals behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
The Police also appealed to residents to stay calm and cooperate with security agencies by sharing any information that may support the ongoing investigation.
The Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Ihiala and across Anambra State.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the state, four individuals were fatally injured in a separate cult-related attack at Afor Nawfia Market along the Onitsha–Awka Old Road on Sunday evening.
The Command reported that the attackers, who were allegedly moving in a black Lexus Jeep, opened fire randomly before escaping from the scene.
The identities of the gunmen and the vehicle’s registration details are still unknown.
Police highlighted that this incident occurred despite earlier preventive actions. Prior to the shooting, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu had apprehended two suspects after receiving credible intelligence about an imminent gang clash. A firearm was recovered during the arrest.
According to the Command, the suspects have been assisting authorities in efforts to suppress further cult-related violence in Awka and surrounding communities.
“Although the hoodlums escaped before police arrival, preliminary information obtained at the scene has provided useful leads,” the statement noted, adding that investigators are actively working to track down the attackers.
The Police Command restated its dedication to tackling cultism and violent crime across Anambra State and promised to release further updates as the investigation progresses.
What You Should Know
The attack in Lili, Ihiala LGA, underscores growing security concerns in Anambra State, where criminal gangs and cult groups have continued to threaten public safety.
While one worshipper was killed and several others injured in the church assault, a separate cult-related shooting in Afor Nawfia Market further highlighted the volatility of the situation. The Police Command has responded with heightened intelligence operations, broader surveillance, and joint security deployments.
Authorities have vowed to hunt down those responsible, reassure residents, and strengthen preventive measures. Both incidents have reinforced the urgency of the fight against cultism and violent crime statewide.
