After more than four months of forced interruption, worship will resume this Sunday in Isseke, a community in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State, following a successful stand by local youths against gunmen who had terrorized the area.
The region’s insecurity, spanning nearly three years, reached a peak in June when assailants stormed St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish and St. Mary’s Anglican Church, firing shots and ordering church services to halt.
The parishioners and clergy had to flee, and religious life in Isseke ground to a halt.
But on 25 September 2025, more than 130 community youths, joined by local leaders, marched into the heart of the town, chanting war songs and forcing the gunmen to flee.
Their action marked a turning point for the battered community.
When our reporter visited Isseke, the silence was stark. Overgrown grasses swallowed markets and schools.
In farmlands, skeletal remains bore grim witness to the violence. And yet, hope was stirring.
At St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Fr. Obidiegwu Chukwuemeka Earnest, who has served as parish priest for 3½ years, led efforts to clear the compound. He told us:
“We were compelled to stop celebrating Mass months ago when gunmen threatened us. Now, by God’s grace, we are cleaning up the church in readiness for Sunday’s services, at 6 am and 9 am and inviting all to return.”
In the Anglican fold, Rev. Princewil Usoetu and DSO Ezeani echoed the same sentiment: Isseke is reclaiming itself from years of fear and subjugation.
They recalled that day in June when worship was abruptly halted:
“We were in church when the hoodlums struck. They forced us to stop, opened fire, and scattered the congregation.”
Community leaders, including Hon. Thadeus Elukaoha (Special Assistant on Assembly Matters to Gov. Soludo), confirmed the night’s dramatic turn. He said:
“On 25 September, the youth took back their town. Gunmen fled. But rebuilding is still needed, churches, schools, markets were damaged or destroyed and over 100 lives lost.”
They thanked security agencies, the police, army, and local vigilantes, while urging for reinforcement to safeguard the fragile peace.
Sunday’s return to worship will be more than a spiritual renewal. It is a declaration: Isseke refuses to remain silenced. The community is back, praying, rebuilding and standing firm.
