It was a bloody day in Anambra State on Sunday, following two separate attacks in two communities in the state; Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area and Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area.
Worshipers at St Andrews Anglican Church, Lilu were said to be enmeshed in worship when gunmen arrived, shooting in all directions, dispersing worshipers. When the scene cleared, the wife of the presiding clergy, was found to have been felled by bullets from the attackers gun.
Similarly, at about 8pm same Sunday, the busy and bustling commercial life of Afor Market Junction in Nawfia was disrupted when some gunmen said to be operating in a black Lexus SUV stopped and pumped a hail of bullets in all directions.
Gory videos circulating on Social media showed that at least four person, all young men were killed in the attack.
President General if Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye in a short press statement confirmed it saying: “This evening, I received with deep shock the tragic news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia Community. The incident resulted in multiple casualties, caused by unknown assailants who carried out this senseless act of violence.
“I strongly condemn this heartbreaking incident and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our beloved community. I have already contacted the relevant security agencies, and investigations are underway to uncover those responsible.
“I appeal to all Ndi Nawfia to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue to cooperate with security operatives as they work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure our safety.”
Authorities of Anambra State Police Command confirmed the attack, attributing it to cult war. In a press release, the spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said: “We wish to provide a comprehensive update on the cult-related attack that occurred on the evening of 7th December 2025 at Afor Nawfia Market, along the Onitsha–Awka Old Road.”
Ikenga insisted that police had earlier arrested some members of the cult gang, and already had enough intelligence reports on the attack and were still working with the detained members before the attack.
He said: “On the evening of 7th December 2025, operating in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number yet unknown, stormed Afor Nawfia Market and opened fire indiscriminately. The violent attack resulted in the fatal injury of four persons, after which the assailants fled the scene.
“Although the hoodlums escaped before police arrived, but preliminary information obtained at the scene has provided useful leads, and the command is already acting on them to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and arrested.”
Speaking on the Lilu attack, Ikenga said: “The church building was partially burnt, and other properties 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 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 instill fear or destabilize the peace we are working tirelessly to maintain.”
“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.”
Meanwhile, Mr. John Chuma Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate for last month’s election in Anambra, has described the attack as distressing.
In a statement released on Monday, Nwosu said: “The rising crime rate across Anambra is alarming. It has become increasingly evident that Governor Soludo’s current security architecture is no longer effective.
“I urge the state government to embrace modern, technology-driven security solutions, including real-time surveillance systems, advanced communication networks, and data-driven early-warning tools to prevent threats and enable rapid response.
He further advocated the establishment of a functional command-and-control center, deployment of drones, and installation of AI-enabled facial recognition cameras across the state.
“I call on Ndi Anambra to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. I reiterate the urgency of overhauling the state’s security measures. Technology is the future, and I urge Governor Soludo to carefully consider his proposed blueprint for a safer and more secure Anambra.”
David-Chyddy Eleke
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