A Sunday service turned tragic in Anambra State as unknown gunmen invaded a worship session, killing the wife of the presiding priest in Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area.
NewsBits reports that the same yesterday, rampaging gunmen also attacked Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community, killing scores. Both developments have heightened tension in Anambra as they come at a time when residents of the state were celebrating the return of peace.
Anambra police command has confirmed videos of the attack on the worshipers in Lilu community. Spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the killing of the priest’s wife, as well as injuring several other worshipers.
He said in a statement on Monday that the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the attack. He described those who carried out the attack as armed criminals, saying it resulted in one death and serious injuries inflicted on a few others.
Ikenga said: “The church building was partially burnt, and other properties were destroyed at a church premises in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area. The CP States that this heinous and abominable act, committed against innocent worshippers, is not only an assault on the community but a grave affront to our shared values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship.
“The Command extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the entire Lilu community and assures the public that the Police shall relentlessly hunt down the perpetrators of this crime. The CP notes that no community should be subjected to such brutality as the command will not allow criminals to instil fear or destabilize the peace we are working tirelessly to maintain.”
He added that in view of this, the Command has already intensified intelligence-driven operations, deployed the Joint Security Team, and strengthened surveillance across the area.
“The Operatives are following every lead as no resource will be spared in ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law. The Command urges residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Joint Security team by providing useful information that can assist ongoing investigations for justice to be served.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state.”
