The Abia State Government has set up an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate the remote and immediate causes of the recent violent crisis in Okon-Aku (also referred to as Okun Aku) community, Ohafia Local Government Area.
The crisis, which erupted around early January, resulted in the tragic death of a youth, Mr. Igwe Akuma Akwu (also reported as Igwe Akuma), who was reportedly killed just days before his planned wedding. The violence also led to widespread destruction, including the burning of houses, vehicles, and properties belonging to several residents, including residences and palaces of prominent traditional rulers, heightening tension and displacing some community members.
Inaugurating the panel at his office, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, described the incident as grave and emphasized the state government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the affected community.
The Commissioner stated that the decision to empanel the inquiry was directed by Governor Dr. Alex Otti in response to the seriousness of the crisis, which involved loss of life and ongoing disquiet in Okon-Aku.
“The wisdom of this Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, is to determine the root and immediate causes of the conflict to enable appropriate interventions,” Prince Nwachukwu said.
The panel’s terms of reference include:
– Investigating the remote and immediate causes of the crisis.
– Identifying individuals, groups, institutions, or bodies involved in escalating the conflict.
– Examining the roles of traditional institutions, youth groups, leadership structures, and other stakeholders.
– Reviewing the administrative, socioeconomic, cultural, and security dimensions of the incident.
– Recommending measures for lasting peace, harmony, justice, and communal cohesion.
– Proposing sanctions against any culpable parties where appropriate.
– Offering any additional recommendations necessary for public peace, order, and sustainable community relations.
The panel has been given **30 days** (approximately four weeks) from the date of inauguration to submit its report to the Ministry.
Prince Nwachukwu called on residents of Okon-Aku, stakeholders, and concerned citizens to cooperate fully with the panel by providing useful information to aid in restoring peace.
The panel is chaired by **Hon. Justice Kenneth Wosu (Rtd)**, who, while speaking on behalf of members, commended Governor Otti’s proactive approach and underscored the inseparable link between peace and progress.
“Peace and progress are like twin brothers. You cannot have one without the other,” Justice Wosu said. He assured that the panel — comprising respected figures including traditional rulers and other stakeholders — would conduct a thorough, impartial, and diligent investigation guided by fairness.
The state government has urged calm in the community, with security forces already deployed to maintain law and order following the initial outbreak of violence. Earlier interventions by the Ohafia Council of Monarchs and police arrests of suspects have helped contain the situation, though the panel’s findings are expected to guide long-term resolution efforts.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from traditional leaders, political figures including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and the public, with calls for dialogue, justice, and adherence to the rule of law to prevent further escalation in the historic Ohafia area.
