The Anambra State Police Command has strongly condemned the deadly attack on a church in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area, vowing to track down and apprehend the armed criminals responsible.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described the 7 December 2025 assault— which left one person dead, several others injured, and part of the church premises burnt— as a “heinous and abominable act” targeted at innocent worshippers. The attack also resulted in the destruction of properties within the church compound.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the CP said the assault was “a grave affront to our shared values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship,” stressing that no community in Anambra should be subjected to such brutality.
The Command extended condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Lilu community, assuring that a full-scale manhunt has begun. According to the police, intelligence-driven operations have been intensified, a Joint Security Team has been deployed, and surveillance has been strengthened across the area to ensure the attackers are brought to justice.
Operatives are reportedly following all available leads, with the Command stressing that no resource will be spared in the pursuit of the perpetrators.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing useful information that could aid the security agencies.
The Police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Ihiala and the entire Anambra State.
