Anambra State was thrown into mourning on Sunday following two separate brutal attacks by armed assailants that claimed the lives of at least six persons, prompting an urgent investigation by the state police command.
The violence began in the early hours at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Isiokwe, in the Lilu community of Ihiala Local Government Area. Heavily armed hoodlums invaded the church premises, opening fire on worshikers preparing for Sunday service. The attack resulted in the tragic death of two persons, including the wife of the church priest. The assailants also set buildings ablaze, burning the cleric's apartment, part of the main church building, and several vehicles.
Later the same day, a second attack unfolded near the Afor Market Junction in the Nawfia community, Njikoka LGA. Armed men suspected to be cult gang members opened indiscriminate fire, killing four persons and injuring several others in what eyewitnesses described as a "commando-like" assault.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed both incidents in separate statements. He attributed the market attack to cult-related violence, noting that four persons were killed. Regarding the church attack, he confirmed two fatalities.
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Ikenga stated on the church attack: "The Commissioner of Police... has condemned in the strongest terms the attack... which resulted in the death of one person. Some persons were inflicted with serious injuries, including the church building partially burnt, and other properties destroyed..."
The police revealed that despite prior intelligence and the arrest of two suspects days earlier to prevent a rival cult clash, the perpetrators of the market attack struck. Ikenga assured the public that the command had launched intensive, intelligence-driven operations to apprehend those responsible for both violent acts.
In his statement, Ikenga assured: "The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state... the police shall relentlessly hunt down the perpetrators of this crime."
The Lilu community in Ihiala, bordering Imo State, has experienced prolonged security challenges with gunmen. The police have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with joint security teams by providing useful information to aid the ongoing investigations and ensure justice is served.
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