Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Monday, said the assailants stormed the church during morning service, partially burning the building and destroying other property within the premises.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to Ikenga, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the assault, describing it as “heinous and abominable,” and stressing that it targeted innocent worshippers.
He said the attack was a grave affront to community values, including peace, the sanctity of life, and freedom of worship.
“No community should be subjected to such brutality,” CP Orutugu said. “The command will not allow criminals to instill fear or destabilize the peace we are working tirelessly to maintain.”
The command extended its condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Lili community, assuring that security operatives would pursue the perpetrators relentlessly.
Ikenga said the police have intensified intelligence-led operations, deployed the Joint Security Team, and strengthened surveillance across the affected area. Officers are following every available lead, and no resources will be spared until those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.
Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state.
In a separate incident also on Sunday, four people were fatally injured in a suspected cult-related attack at Afor Nawfia Market along the Onitsha–Awka Old Road.
Police said the assailants, reportedly travelling in a black Lexus SUV, opened fire indiscriminately before speeding away. Their identities and the vehicle’s registration details are yet to be confirmed.
The attack occurred despite proactive operations days earlier, during which operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu arrested two suspects on credible intelligence of an impending gang clash and recovered a firearm.
The suspects have been assisting investigators in efforts to curb cult-related violence in Awka and surrounding communities.
“Although the hoodlums escaped before police arrival, preliminary information obtained at the scene has provided useful leads,” the command said, adding that efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators.
The police reaffirmed their resolve to eliminate cultism and violent crime in the state, promising to provide further updates as investigations progress.
