The 7-man administrative panel of enquiry instituted on the 12 March, 2026 by the Abia State Government to investigate the crisis in Okun Aku community, Ohafia Local Government Area that led to the death of one person has formally submitted its report to the state.
The report, presented in four volumes including detailed proceedings and compiled exhibits provides a comprehensive roadmap for resolving the Okon Aku crisis and reinforcing sustainable peacebuilding efforts in Abia state.
Receiving the report on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 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.
The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu
expressed confidence that the outcome would bring lasting peace to 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,” Gov. Otti stated.
Presenting the report earlier, the Chairman of the panel, retired Justice Kenneth Wosu (Rtd) disclosed that the panel received a total of 52 memoranda from individuals and groups following extensive public sensitisation.
He noted that public sittings were held between January 28 and March 10, 2026, spanning 27 sessions, during which 56 exhibits including documentary and electronic evidence were admitted.
Justice Wosu (Rtd) further revealed 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.
According to him, the findings show 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 further made public 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.
Justice Wosu (Rtd), who emphasised that some matters uncovered during the investigation are currently sub judice, while law enforcement agencies are continuing investigations into criminal aspects of the crisis.
According to the Chairman of the administrative panel, 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 made it clear that the implementation of the recommendations would pave the way for lasting peace, justice, and communal harmony.
