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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Government has received the report of a seven-man administrative panel of enquiry it instituted to investigate the crisis in Okun-Aku community, Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.
The community was engulfed in crisis during last year’s Christmas festivities, which culminated in the killing of a youth leader from the area.
Following the crisis, Abia State Government, on March 12, 2026, set up a seven-man panel of inquiry to find out the immediate and remote causes of the crisis and make recommendations that would forestall future occurrences.
Receiving the report at the JAAC Secretariat, Umuahia, the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, assured that the government would meticulously study the document, before issuing a White Paper on her findings.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, informed that the document would be studied through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and assured that the outcome would bring lasting peace to the Okon Aku community.
“The report will be carefully reviewed, and the White Paper that will follow shall form the basis for implementation.
“These are established administrative procedures, and I am confident that the outcome will bring lasting peace to Okon Aku once the recommendations are fully implemented,” Otti stated.
Presenting the report earlier, the Chairman of the panel, retired Justice Kenneth Wosu, disclosed that the panel received a total of 52 memoranda from individuals and groups following extensive public sensitisation.
He revealed that immediately after its inauguration, the panel held public sittings spanning 27 sessions, during which 56 exhibits, including documentary and electronic evidence, were admitted.
Retired Justice Wosu stated that the panel undertook an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okon Aku community and conducted in-depth deliberations, including summoning key individuals to clarify issues and respond to allegations.
He informed that the findings showed that the crisis was traced to several remote causes, including disputes over the management of the Erei Farm Settlement, succession tussles surrounding the Ezogo and Nnaka traditional stools, and longstanding rivalry between the Ndi Uma and Ndi Owo kindreds over traditional authority, the removal of the President of the Okon Aku Development Union (ODU) and allegations of external interference in traditional matters were also identified as contributing factors.
He also revealed that the panel identified the immediate trigger of the crisis as the murder of a former youth leader, which escalated tensions and led to widespread breakdown of law and order, including arson and violent confrontations.
The panel chairman emphasised that some matters uncovered during the investigation are currently subjudice, while law enforcement agencies are continuing investigations into criminal aspects of the crisis.
Justice Wosu (retd) explained that to address the situation, the panel made necessary recommendations, including the immediate establishment of an all-inclusive Okon Aku Community Peace Committee, government takeover of the Erei Farm Settlement, and thorough investigation and prosecution of individuals implicated in criminal acts.
He expressed confidence that the implementation of the recommendations would pave the way for lasting peace, justice, and communal harmony in Okon-Aku.
The report was presented in four volumes which contained detailed proceedings and compiled exhibits.
