The Abia State Government has received the final report from its seven-member administrative panel tasked with probing the unrest in Okon Aku, a community in Ohafia Local Government Area. The panel was established following the tragic death of Igwe Akuma, a youth leader in the area, and widespread destruction of homes due to arson.
Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, accepted the document during a ceremony in Umuahia on Tuesday. He assured that the government would carefully review the findings via the Office of the Secretary to the State Government before releasing a White Paper to implement the recommendations and restore lasting peace.
Retired Justice Kenneth Wosu, who chaired the panel, revealed that 52 memoranda were submitted by various individuals and groups after a broad public awareness campaign. Public hearings ran from January 28 to March 10, 2026, with 27 sessions conducted. During this period, the panel admitted 56 exhibits, including both documentary and electronic evidence.
The team also conducted an on-site visit to Okon Aku and held thorough deliberations, summoning key persons to clarify issues and respond to allegations. According to Wosu, the crisis originated from several underlying factors, including disputes over the management of the Erei Farm Settlement, succession conflicts regarding the Ezogo and Nnaka traditional stools, and a long-standing rivalry between the Ndi Uma and Ndi Owo kindreds for traditional authority.
Other contributing elements included the removal of the Okon Aku Development Union president and allegations of external meddling in traditional matters. The immediate trigger was the murder of a former youth leader, which escalated tensions and resulted in a total breakdown of law and order, with arson and violent clashes.
The panel has recommended the immediate creation of an all-inclusive Okon Aku Community Peace Committee, government takeover of the Erei Farm Settlement, and a full investigation and prosecution of those involved in criminal activities.