Amnesty International has strongly condemned a brutal attack by gunmen on St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, in the early hours of Sunday, 7 December 2025.
The human rights organization called on authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The attack resulted in the death of a man and the abduction of the wife of the Reverend in charge of the church.
Her body was later discovered, brutally murdered and partially unclothed, according to Amnesty International.
The organization also highlighted serious security lapses, noting that the church houses the operational base for Agunechemba Security personnel deployed by the Anambra State government to Lilu.
Amnesty International warned that the incident reflects the ongoing failure of authorities to protect citizens from attacks by armed groups that have killed and abducted thousands in Nigeria over the past decade.
The organization specifically criticized the security measures implemented under Bola Tinubu’s government, calling them clearly ineffective in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Since 2023, Amnesty International has documented the activities of armed groups in South-Eastern Nigeria, describing several communities as “ungoverned spaces.”
These groups have reportedly sacked traditional rulers, displaced residents, and taken control of entire communities, including Lilu in Anambra State, as well as Agwa and Izombe in Oguta LGA, Imo State.
The human rights organization urged both state and federal authorities to urgently address the insecurity plaguing South-East Nigeria.
Amnesty International emphasized that prompt action, accountability, and strengthened security measures are crucial to preventing further attacks and protecting civilians in the region.
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