Six killed in Anambra, prompting police investigation
The Anambra State Police Command says it has launched an investigation to track down the gunmen responsible for two separate attacks that left at least six people dead in different communities on Sunday.
PUNCH Metro learned that unidentified armed men struck St. Andrews Anglican Church in the Isiokwe area of Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area, early Sunday morning. Two people were killed, vehicles were burned, and the priest’s residence—along with parts of the church—was set on fire.
When our correspondent visited the scene on Monday, it was gathered that the priest’s wife was among the victims, while several others were injured. The compound was deserted, and charred property remained scattered around.
Residents said the attack caused panic and halted church activities.
One witness explained that heavily armed attackers stormed the church just as worshippers were preparing for service. They opened fire and set multiple structures on the premises ablaze, including vehicles, the priest’s home, and part of the main building. The witness described the act as shocking and condemnable.
Later that same day, another group of gunmen—suspected to be cult members—opened fire near Afor Market Junction in the Nawfia area of Njikoka Local Government Area, killing at least four people and injuring others.
“It was total chaos,” a nearby resident said, noting that the assailants emerged suddenly and began shooting.
Videos circulating online showed victims at both scenes and smouldering vehicles.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the two incidents in separate statements on Monday. He said four people died in the Nawfia attack, while two died in the church attack. He linked the market shooting to cult-related violence and said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had ordered a full investigation.
Ikenga added that special operatives had earlier arrested two suspected cult members and recovered a firearm based on intelligence of a planned confrontation. Despite that intervention, other gang members reportedly launched the market attack using a black Lexus SUV.
Although the attackers fled before police arrived, Ikenga said investigators had obtained useful leads and were working to bring the perpetrators to justice. He affirmed that the command remains committed to combating cultism and violent crime.
Addressing the church attack, Ikenga said officers were following all leads and that the police would use every resource necessary to arrest those responsible. The Commissioner of Police condemned the incident, describing it as a grave assault on innocent worshippers and the values of peace and freedom of worship. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Lilu community.
He further noted that the police have intensified intelligence operations, deployed a joint security team, and increased surveillance in the area. He urged residents to remain calm and share any helpful information with security agencies.
The Lilu community, which borders Imo State, has suffered repeated attacks by gunmen in recent months.