Tension in Anambra as youths attack Anglican, Catholic churches in Igbariam farm settlement

Tension has risen in Igbariam Farm Settlement, Anambra East Local Government Area, after a group of youths allegedly attacked Christ Anglican Church and a nearby Catholic church, causing extensive damage and theft of property.

A senior cleric of Christ Anglican Church, Venerable Obiora Igbokwe, said he narrowly escaped being assaulted during the incident, which occurred on March 11.

According to him, about 25 youths arrived the church premises on motorcycles and in a car, chanting and carrying weapons. He said the group forced their way into the church compound and began destroying property, including residential and church facilities.

Igbokwe said items lost during the attack included a 3kVA generator, construction materials such as 16mm iron rods, livestock (goats, sheep and rams), mobile phones and chargers, aluminium fittings, and clothing. He also alleged that the attackers attempted to remove a water pump system but were unable to complete the removal after a rope broke, causing part of the equipment to fall into a borehole.

He further stated that the group damaged sections of the church compound, including windows of the parsonage, parts of the worship centre used as a car park, and a school building under construction within the church premises.

The cleric said the attackers also vandalised ongoing construction at a six-classroom school block, which he said was largely funded by external donors.

Igbokwe explained that the dispute over the land dates back to early last year when youths in the community allegedly demolished a fence around the church and later disrupted work at a Catholic church project in the area. He said the matter was previously reviewed by a local inquiry panel following complaints that the churches were occupying community land.

He noted that both the Anglican and Catholic churches presented Certificates of Occupancy during the earlier investigation, after which the issue was reportedly settled.

However, he alleged that since a new town union leadership emerged in January 2026, there have been repeated visits by youths to the church premises, with claims that the land belongs to the community.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Igbariam town union or security agencies regarding the incident.