Abia State Government (ABSG) on Thursday (5/11/26) inaugurated an Implementation Committee for Government White Paper on Okon Aku Ohafia crisis.
Addressing the committee shortly after the Inauguration, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Dr. Uzor Nwachukwu, mandated the body to restore lasting peace in the community.
Dr. Nwachukwu who is also Chairman of the Committee recalled that the crisis which occurred on January 2 and 3, 2026, in Okon Aku-Ohafia, allegedly led to the death of one person and bombing of houses forced residents to desert the community.
He said the government of Dr. Alex Otti immediately swung into action through security agencies to restore calm and subsequently inaugurated an Administrative Panel of Inquiry which sat for months and submitted a report.
According to him, the government studied the report and came out with a White Paper giving directives on actions to bring lasting peace.
Dr. Nwachukwu said government, in its wisdom, listed key agencies to lead implementation, with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as the lead ministry.
Other members include Ministry of Justice represented by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands, Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area, Special Adviser to Governor on Security, Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, General Manager, State Homeland Security Agency, State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), and State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He explained that the committee’s responsibility was to coordinate implementation of the White Paper, monitor compliance, liaise with security agencies and advise the government on further steps, with periodic reports to the Governor through the Secretary to State Government.
“Upon inauguration today, 5th day of November 2026, the government through White Paper directs that we must submit our reports within 30 days.
“What it means is that by 4th of December, the report of this committee will have been submitted to the Governor through the SSG,” Dr. Nwachukwu said.
He said every member, ministry and agency will be given a copy of the White Paper to study ahead of its first inaugural meeting slated for Monday 7pm virtually.
Dr. Nwachukwu disclosed that apart from the Implementation Committee, the government will also create a wider Peace, Reconciliation and Stabilization Committee involving traditional rulers, youth leaders from Okon Aku and Ohafia at large and religious leaders to ensure peace on ground.
He identified disputed a farm land in Okon Aku-Ohafia as central to the crisis, directing the Ministry of Lands and Mayor of Ohafia to produce all documents relating to legal status, ownership and transactions on land.
“One of the major issues in the centre of this crisis is a rail farm in Okon Aku-Ohafia. We’ve been directed to find out the legal status of that farm.
“Before the end of next week, we must conclude action on that property as directed by White Paper, working with all security agencies,” he stated.
In his remarks, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna SAN, said the committee’s work goes beyond inauguration, describing it as a responsibility to translate government decisions and recommendations into practical and measurable actions.
Mr. Uwanna, represented by Mrs Becky Ikechi, urged members to approach the assignment with a high sense of responsibility, fairness, impartiality and fidelity to rule of law.
“We must not allow personal interests, sentiments, ethnic or cultural considerations to influence our decision. White Paper should serve as a guiding document.
“Our responsibility is to ensure recommendations are implemented in letter and spirit without unnecessary alteration or selective application,” he said.
He emphasised that the implementation must respect rights of all concerned, relevant traditional institutions, customary practices and existing laws, noting that peace is not merely absence of violence but entails justice, mutual respect, accountability and reconciliation.
He pledged the commitment of the Ministry of Justice to ensure the process was consistent with law, justice and fairness, and appealed to stakeholders and people of Okon Aku-Ohafia to cooperate with the committee and maintain peace.
The government said the intervention should be seen as an opportunity to bring the unfortunate situation to a dignified and sustainable resolution.
In a vote of thanks, Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area, Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu, expressed excitement over inauguration as the affected community falls within his local government.
He thanked members for their willingness to serve and pledged to work harmoniously with all to deliver on the assignment.
