Abia sets up 7-man panel to probe Okon Aku crisis

The Abia State Government has constituted a seven-member administrative panel of enquiry to investigate the recent crisis in Okon Aku community, Ohafia Local Government Area, which claimed the life of a 34-year-old man.

The panel, which has been given 30 days to submit its report to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, is chaired by retired Justice Kenneth Wosu, with Mrs. Charity Okeagu, Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, serving as Secretary.

The crisis erupted a few days ago, resulting in the loss of life, destruction of property, and mass desertion of the village amid indiscriminate arrests and widespread unrest. Sources suggest that the conflict is multi-dimensional, involving political tensions, Ezeship and chieftaincy disputes, attempts by influential individuals to acquire the Erei Farm settlement, and demonstrations of power by prominent community figures, compounded by the death of an influential son of the community.

Inaugurating the panel at the JAAC Secretariat in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, charged members to investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the crisis.

Prince Nwachukwu said, “In the wisdom of this government under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti, it has been directed that this administrative panel of enquiry be empanelled to determine the remote and immediate causes of the conflict and prevent its recurrence.”

The panel’s terms of reference include identifying individuals, groups, institutions, or bodies involved in the escalation of the conflict; examining the role of traditional institutions, youth groups, leadership structures, and other stakeholders; reviewing administrative, socio-economic, cultural, and security dimensions of the crisis; recommending measures to ensure lasting peace and communal cohesion; and proposing sanctions where appropriate.

Speaking on behalf of the panel, Justice Wosu thanked Governor Otti for approving their appointment. He expressed confidence in the panel’s ability to conduct a thorough investigation and pledged to work in line with the government’s commitment to peace and development.

He stated, “We guarantee that we will do our best and believe that God will guide us accordingly. So help us God.”