Gunmen Kill Priest’s Wife, Torch Church in Attack on Nigerian Congregation

A map of Nigeria showing the location of Anambra. Photo: naijanews.com

ANAMBRA — Gunmen attacked worshippers at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Isiokwe, Anambra state, early Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, killing the wife of the parish priest and a parishioner, wounding several congregants, abducting another priest, and burning the church building and nearby homes, according to local residents.

As reported by Christian Daily News, the assailants stormed the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) parish as members prepared for worship, fatally shooting the priest’s wife and kidnapping the Rev. Venerable Obies. They also set fire to vehicles, the priest’s residence, and the church structure.

“There was indiscriminate shooting, many worshippers sustained injuries, and there was also extensive property damage, including the burning of vehicles, the church building and the priest’s residence,” said resident Rosemary Emabri. “The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday as congregants prepared for worship.”

State Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu said through a spokesman that the force has “already intensified intelligence-driven operations, deployed the Joint Security Team and strengthened surveillance across the area. No resource will be spared in ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.”

The attack coincided with the arrival of a U.S. congressional delegation in Nigeria. U.S. Rep. Riley Moore said on X that officials discussed steps to dismantle “terrorist organizations” and “stop the killing of Christians.” The group—received by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu—also included Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart, Norma Torres, Scott Franklin, and Juan Ciscomani, along with U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills.

“Discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening Nigeria-U.S. strategic security partnership,” Ribadu said. “I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security.”

The delegation later visited Benue state, where thousands of Christians have been killed and millions displaced in recent years. The mission followed U.S. designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for severe religious-freedom violations.

Moore described the conversations as “frank, honest and productive,” centering on counterterrorism, security support, and protecting people “regardless of religious belief.”

Nigeria remains one of the deadliest places in the world for Christians. According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, 3,100 of the 4,476 Christians killed worldwide for their faith during the reporting period—69 percent—were killed in Nigeria. “The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology,” the report stated.

Attacks by Fulani militias in the North-Central region, jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP in the north, and rising abductions for ransom continue to destabilize large swaths of the country. Violence has spread southward, and a new jihadist faction, Lakurawa—linked to the Al-Qaeda–aligned JNIM insurgency—has appeared in the northwest.

Nigeria ranked seventh on the 2025 World Watch List of the most dangerous countries for Christians.

Previously, UOJ reported that more than 200 children were abducted in an attack on a Nigerian Catholic school.

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