Peace has finally returned to the sleepy town of Ihiala, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a spate of attacks by rival cult groups that unsettled the town for some time.

Addressing journalistsWednesday, the youth leader of the town, Nwofor Ikechukwu, said peace returned as a result of synergy between the police and Ihiala Progress Union (IPU)

He observed that the newly instituted Ihiala Area Command of NPF under the leadership of Mr. Michael Falade (ACP) introduced a pro-active approach to tackle the hydra-headed problem of cultism in the area.

He revealed that about ten suspected cultists terrorising the community have been nabbed by the police authorities and handed over to the anti-cult unit of NPF at Enugwu-Ukwu.

According to him, the arrest has subsequently led to the calmness and tranquility experiencedin the area.

He said: “We are very proud of ACP Falade and his team, they have proved their mettle in their brief stay in Ihiala, the Assistant Commissioner of Police during a town hall meeting charged parents to advice their children who are cultists to renounce cultism or leave the town.

“The war against cultism, I can report to you has been very successful, peace and stability has returned to our community, people are now free to carry out their legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment from cult groups that swooped on our community.”

Ikechukwu however urged police authorities to beam their searchlights on some masquerade groups who molest peace loving individuals especially during burial ceremonies.

Some youths present at the meeting promised to cooperate with security agents to fight suspected cultists in the town by exposing them.