Isu-Awaa is a rural community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, in Nigeria’s South-East and the wider Igbo cultural heartland.

The community sits at about 202 metres above sea level and is one of 18 communities that make up Awgu Local Government Area. Geographical records place Isu-Awa at approximately 6.26 degrees north and 7.43 degrees east.

Isu-Awaa is predominantly Igbo-speaking, with farming playing an important role in the local economy and livelihoods. The community is made up of rural settlements including Enugu Isu, Egedo, Ezioka-Isu and Umuamunu.

There is, however, no reliable standalone census figure publicly available for Isu-Awaa, meaning its exact population and population density cannot be stated with confidence. What is clear is that the community forms part of a largely rural and agricultural belt of Awgu, where access to farmland is central to household survival.

And it is this connection between the people and their land that is now at the heart of a growing security concern.

What should have been a joyful annual gathering in Isu-Awa turned into a cry for help.

The community's August Meeting, a traditional annual gathering that brings women together to discuss issues affecting their families and community development, became a platform for protests over insecurity, fear and attacks on farmlands.

On the third day of the meeting, the women took to the streets, saying persistent insecurity has left them afraid to farm, harvest their crops or move freely within their community.

They say the situation is particularly worrying around the expressway, which they describe as their main access route.

For these women, the problem is no longer just about security. It is about livelihoods, food, education and the future of their community.

Mrs Chidimma Aniagu recounted how suspected attackers allegedly attempted to invade her home the night before the protest.

Another villager, Mrs Chinyere Ezerikaya, spoke about the destruction of farmlands and the fear now gripping parents and schoolchildren.

She called for the redeployment of forest guards, saying the community was more peaceful when they were previously stationed in the area.

For Mrs Mercy Eze, the insecurity has become so severe that she is afraid to return to her farm and harvest crops she has already cultivated.

She appealed to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to strengthen security in the area, including through the deployment of forest guards.

She also appreciated the support of Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, Executive Vice Chairman of Baywood Group and Founder of CBI Digital Media, owner of CBI News TV, as well as Empress Baywood Ibe, Deputy Managing Director of Baywood Continental Limited.

Mrs Chukwu Ngozi said she invested heavily in her farm but is now unable to harvest because of fear.

She recalled that women had raised similar concerns earlier in the year, warning that the continuing insecurity could discourage indigenes living outside the community from returning home.

While commending the developmental projects of the Enugu State Government, she urged the authorities to give equal attention to the security situation in Isu-Awaa.

For the Chairlady of the Isu-Awaa Women’s Task Force, Pastor Mrs Juliet Ude, the stakes are particularly high because farming remains a major source of livelihood for many families.

She said many women can no longer go to their farms alone.

But rather than encouraging youths to confront those allegedly responsible for the attacks, she appealed to the government and security agencies to intervene before the situation escalates.

The concerns extend beyond the farmlands.

Ijeoma Eze, whose home is close to the community secondary school, said people allegedly linked to the insecurity now live behind her house, creating fear among residents and schoolchildren.

She said the situation has heightened concerns about the safety of children going to school.

As the women marched through the community, chanting and demanding action, President of Isu-Awaa Women, Empress Pat Baywood Ibe, alleged that some individuals may be passing information from within the community to those responsible for the insecurity.

She called on the Enugu State Government and security agencies to investigate the allegations and urgently protect lives, farmlands and livelihoods.

For the women of Isu-Awaa, this protest goes beyond damaged crops.

It is a demand for the right to farm without fear, to move freely, to send their children to school safely and to return home without worrying about their lives.

As the women return from the streets to their homes and farms, their message to the authorities is clear: they want security restored before fear drives them

hem away from the land that sustains them.

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