The attack at St. Philips’ Church in Ozubulu, Anambra State was instigated by disagreements between two drug barons.
It was gathered that gunmen around 7am, stormed the church and opened sporadic shots at worshippers.
While initial reports stated that between 20 to 50 persons were killed, the Police Commissioner in charge of the state, Garba Umar said eight worshippers were confirmed dead, 18 others hospitalised and three yet-to-be identified persons fatally wounded.
It was gathered that two natives of the town who are drug barons and resident in South Africa had disagreements in that country and brought it home.
Thugs loyal to one of the men, it was learnt, stormed the church and killed the father of the other alongside other worshippers.
Condemning the incident, the Commissioner said efforts were on to arrest the drug lords and other culprits.
He said: “It is a sacrilege to storm a church and attack worshippers. Thr attack was carried out by assassins. Eight worshippers were confirmed dead and 18 hospitalised. Three unknown persons were fatally wounded. We are yet to ascertain who they are.
“The shootings was as a result of a fight between two individuals from the village. They are resident in South Africa and they brought their fight home.
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“It is true that they killed the father of one of the two men fighting. Both men. We have not made any arrests but ate making efforts to get them all.”