After months of silence, church bells rang once again in Iseke community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, as residents returned to worship for the first time in four months.
The return to normalcy followed a decisive joint effort by local youths and security operatives to expel the unknown gunmen who had held the town hostage for years.
Over 130 youths and community leaders, armed with courage and conviction, staged a coordinated offensive on September 25th, reclaiming their ancestral land and forcing the criminal elements to flee.
This grassroots resistance was sparked after years of escalating violence that climaxed in June, when armed men stormed St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish and St. Mary’s Anglican Church during service, firing shots and ordering both clergy and congregation to halt all church activities indefinitely.
In a rare show of unity, the Anambra State Police Command has since thrown its weight behind the community’s initiative. Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, praised the courage and collaboration of the Isseke youths, describing their action as a turning point in the fight against insecurity in the region.
“The actions of the Isseke youths are highly commendable.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility, and with this kind of cooperation, we believe we can reclaim more ground and dismantle criminal networks entrenched in our communities," Ikenga said.
He revealed that the police are working closely with neighboring states, especially Imo, to block escape routes and prevent regrouping by the fleeing gunmen. Ikenga added that what the force is currently employing in the area is not just a numerical increase of personnel, but “strategic deployment," targeting border towns and known hotspots.
Meanwhile, the Command also disclosed the arrest of a 62-year-old man accused of extorting bereaved families under the guise of collecting levies imposed by the gunmen.
According to police, the suspect is cooperating and providing valuable intelligence on the criminal network.
“He was involved in forcing families to pay money before burials could take place. We confirmed his role during investigations and he is currently helping with more leads," Ikenga added.
Residents say life is gradually returning to normal. Markets have reopened, and children are seen playing freely once again. But the scars of the past remain and so does a cautious optimism.
The Isseke community has called for increased security presence to prevent a resurgence of violence. While the police have promised to consider the request, they emphasized that long-term peace will depend on continued collaboration with local stakeholders.
“What happened in Isseke is a model worth replicating. Communities must take ownership of their safety, and the synergy we now have with Isseke is what we hope to see everywhere," Ikenga said.
NATIONAL PANEL gathered that as worship resumed and the town has begun to heal, Isseke stands as a symbol of what is possible when a community unites against fear.
