Anambra State Police Launch Investigation into Deadly Attacks in Two Communities
The Anambra State Police Command has initiated a comprehensive investigation into a series of violent attacks that occurred on Sunday in two separate communities within the state, resulting in the deaths of at least six people. The attacks, which targeted a church and a market area, have prompted a strong response from law enforcement, with authorities vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Church Attack in Lilu Community
In the early hours of Sunday, armed assailants stormed St Andrews Anglican Church in the Isiokwe area of the Lilu community, located within the Ihiala Local Government Area. The attackers unleashed a brutal assault, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including the wife of the church’s priest. The assailants also set fire to vehicles, the cleric’s residence, and portions of the church building.
Eyewitnesses and residents reported that the attack disrupted church activities and caused widespread panic throughout the community. The church premises were left in a state of disarray, with properties scattered throughout the area.
A resident recounted the events: “The heavily armed hoodlums invaded the church as worshippers were getting ready for Sunday activity and started shooting, setting properties on the church premises, including buildings, ablaze.”
- The source further stated, “Unfortunately, they brutally murdered the wife of the church priest and one other person. They also injured many others, razed down the priest’s house to ashes, and burnt down some church vehicles and other church properties, including a part of the main church building.”
Market Attack in Nawfia Community
Later that same day, a separate attack occurred near the Afor Market Junction in the Nawfia community, situated within the Njikoka Local Government Area. Suspected cult members opened fire, killing at least four people and injuring several others.
- An eyewitness described the scene: “It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere this evening in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately.”
Video footage circulating online depicted victims lying in pools of blood, while burnt vehicles and sections of the church premises were still smoldering.
Police Response and Investigation
The spokesperson for the state police command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed both attacks and issued separate statements outlining the police response. Ikenga stated that four individuals were killed in the market attack in Nawfia, while two died in the church attack.
The police attribute the market attack to cult-related violence. Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu has ordered a thorough investigation into both incidents, with the aim of apprehending those responsible.
Regarding the market attack, Ikenga stated: “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to provide a comprehensive update on the cult-related attack that occurred on the evening of December 7, 2025, at Afor Nawfia Market, along the Onitsha–Awka Old Road.”
- He noted that prior to the attack, police operatives had arrested two suspected cult members and recovered a firearm, acting on intelligence regarding a planned confrontation between rival cult groups. “Despite these proactive efforts by the Command operatives, some members of the same gang, on the evening of December 7, 2025, operating in a black Lexus Jeep with a registration number yet unknown, stormed Afor Nawfia Market and opened fire indiscriminately,” Ikenga explained.
The police are pursuing leads and are determined to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
Police Condemnation of Church Attack
Regarding the church attack, the Commissioner of Police condemned the violence in the strongest terms, calling it a “heinous and abominable act” and “a grave affront to our shared values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship.”
Ikenga conveyed the Command’s condolences to the victims’ families and the Lilu community, assuring the public that the police will relentlessly pursue the criminals responsible.
- “The CP notes that no community should be subjected to such brutality, as the Command will not allow criminals to instil fear or destabilise the peace we are working tirelessly to maintain,” Ikenga stated.
The police have intensified intelligence-driven operations, deployed a Joint Security Team, and strengthened surveillance in the area. Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the Joint Security Team by providing any information that may assist the ongoing investigations.
The Anambra State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state and to ridding the state of cultism, violent crime, and all forms of criminality. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as developments unfold. The Lilu community, which borders Imo State, has reportedly been experiencing heightened insecurity due to the presence of armed groups for several months.
