The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has seriously kicked against the attack by gunmen in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area, which led to the death of one person while several others sustained injuries and destruction of church building and other properties.
Orutugu, who reacted yesterday to the incident described the Sunday morning attack carried out by armed criminals as barbaric incident.
One person was confirmed dead and others severely injured.
The assailants also partially burnt a church building and destroyed other property within the church premises in Lilu.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement , the Commissioner described the incident as a heinous and abominable act committed against innocent worshippers.
He said it was not only an assault on the community but also a grave affront to the state’s shared values of peace, the sanctity of human life, and freedom of worship.
CP Orutugu expressed the Command’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Lilu community.
He assured the public that the Police would relentlessly pursue the perpetrators until they are apprehended.
The CP maintained that no community should ever be subjected to such brutality. He said that the Command would not allow criminals to instill fear or destabilize the peace and security they are working tirelessly to uphold.
He noted that the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations, deployed a Joint Security Team, and strengthened surveillance across the area.
The Operatives are said to be following all available leads, with no resource to be spared in ensuring that those responsible are arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.
The Command also urged residents to remain calm and to cooperate with security operatives by providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations and help ensure justice is served.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state,” Ikenga added.
