At least one person has been killed and several others injured after armed men attacked St. Andrews Anglican Church in Isiokwe, Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, early on Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants opened fire on worshippers during the service, causing panic and disruption. The wife of the church priest was reportedly among those killed. Several others sustained injuries in the attack.
The attackers also set fire to the priest’s residence, destroyed church vehicles, and partially burnt the main church building.
In a statement on Monday, the Anambra State Police condemned the attack, describing it as “a heinous and abominable act against innocent worshippers.” The police confirmed the death of one person, while withholding their identity, and said several individuals suffered serious injuries.
The police spokesperson added that the command had intensified intelligence-led operations and deployed a Joint Security Team to the area.
Residents were urged to cooperate with security forces by providing information that could aid the investigation.
“The command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state,” the statement read.
The attack comes amid growing concerns over security in the South-East, which has recently seen a series of violent incidents targeting local communities.