Three communities in Anambra State were plunged into panic over the weekend as separate violent incidents claimed multiple lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira, shattering the relative calm the state had recently enjoyed.
The attacks occurred in Lilu in Ihiala Local Government Area, Nawfia in Njikoka LGA, and Akwaihedi in Nnewi South LGA. Although the total number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, several deaths were recorded across the three locations.
In Lilu, gunmen stormed an Anglican church during Sunday service, killing one worshipper and injuring others. The assailants also set the vicarage ablaze, burned two vehicles—including the priest’s car—and damaged parts of the church building and surrounding property. Residents described the assault as devastating, especially for a community still recovering from years of terror inflicted by armed groups once active in the area.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the church attack, calling it an attack on peace and the sanctity of human life. He assured residents that security forces were intensifying intelligence-led operations and deploying joint security teams to track down the perpetrators. Orutugu urged locals to remain calm and cooperate with investigators.
In Nawfia, a violent clash at Afor Market was linked to rival cult groups. Police said the attack followed earlier arrests by the Special Anti-Cult Squad, which had detained two suspects and recovered a firearm after receiving intelligence about an impending confrontation. Despite the intervention, armed men in a black Lexus SUV opened fire at the market on December 7, killing four people before fleeing. Police say they are pursuing credible leads to apprehend all those involved.
In Akwaihedi, a viral video circulating on social media showed the corpse of a young man, with claims that soldiers were responsible for his death. However, the community leadership denied any connection to the incident. President General Oliver Mbagwu dismissed the video as misleading, explaining that the deceased was a suspected criminal intercepted by soldiers near Orsumuoghu. He said the suspect allegedly misled troops into Akwaihedi and later attempted to escape, leading to the circumstances captured in the video. Mbagwu insisted the community remains peaceful and warned against spreading false narratives aimed at tarnishing its image.
Security agencies have launched investigations across all affected communities, while residents continue to call for increased security presence to prevent further violence.
