Gunmen Attack Anglican Church in Anambra State, Kill One, Injure Several Others

 

Tragedy struck a Christian worship center in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, when heavily armed assailants stormed a church during morning service, leaving one person dead and several others seriously injured.

The violent incident occurred at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area – a border town between Anambra and Imo States.

According to the Anambra State Police Command, the gunmen launched the attack just as Sunday worship was about to begin. They opened fire indiscriminately, creating panic among congregants who scrambled for safety.

Before fleeing the scene, the attackers set parts of the church building ablaze and vandalized property within the premises.

Police Public Relations Officer confirmed the incident in a statement:

“On December 7, 2025, armed criminals carried out a deadly attack on a place of worship in Lilu, Ihiala LGA, resulting in the death of one individual and serious injuries to others. The church was partially burnt, and several items destroyed.”

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the assault, describing it as a “heinous attack on innocent worshippers” and an affront to peace, human life, and religious freedom.

He assured residents that security forces have launched intensified intelligence-led operations and deployed joint task teams to track down the perpetrators.

Rising Insecurity in Nigeria: Church Attacks on the Increase

This latest church attack in Anambra comes amid growing concerns over targeted assaults on places of worship across Nigeria.

Just weeks earlier, on November 18, 2025, gunmen abducted 38 members of the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, during an evening service. The victims were later released after nearly a week in captivity.

The spate of violent incidents has heightened fears among Nigerian Christians, especially in the South-East and North-Central regions, where churches have increasingly become targets.

President Tinubu Declares National Security Emergency

In response to escalating insecurity – including kidnappings, banditry, and attacks on religious centers – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently declared a nationwide state of emergency on security.

As part of the measures, the President directed the Nigerian Police Force and Armed Forces to urgently expand recruitment and deploy more personnel to troubled zones.

Security analysts warn that without decisive action, attacks on churches and other soft targets may continue to rise, threatening religious freedom and community safety in Nigeria.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as joint security operations intensify in Anambra and surrounding states.