The Abia State Government has received the report of a seven-man administrative panel of enquiry set up to investigate the crisis in Okon Aku community in Ohafia Local Government Area.
The panel, which was inaugurated on March 12, 2026, following a violent crisis that resulted in a casualty, formally submitted its findings on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the JAAC Secretariat in Umuahia.
Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, assured that the government would thoroughly review the document before issuing a White Paper to guide implementation.
He explained that the report would be processed through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), expressing optimism that its recommendations would restore lasting peace in the troubled community.
“The report will be carefully reviewed, and the White Paper that will follow shall form the basis for implementation. These established administrative procedures will ultimately bring lasting peace to Okon Aku,” he stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of the panel, retired Justice Kenneth Wosu, revealed that the panel received 52 memoranda from stakeholders during its investigation. He added that public sittings were conducted between January 28 and March 10, 2026, covering 27 sessions, with 56 exhibits—both documentary and electronic—admitted as evidence.
According to him, the panel also carried out on-the-spot assessments in the community and summoned key individuals to clarify issues surrounding the crisis.
Justice Wosu disclosed that the panel traced the root causes of the crisis to longstanding disputes, including disagreements over the management of the Erei Farm Settlement, succession tussles involving the Ezogo and Nnaka traditional stools, and rivalry between the Ndi Uma and Ndi Owo kindreds over traditional authority.
Other contributing factors, he said, included the removal of the President of the Okon Aku Development Union (ODU) and allegations of external interference in traditional matters.
He identified the immediate trigger of the crisis as the killing of a former youth leader, which escalated tensions and led to a breakdown of law and order, including cases of arson and violent clashes.
The panel noted that some aspects of the matter are currently before the courts, while security agencies continue investigations into criminal elements of the crisis.
To address the situation, the panel recommended the immediate establishment of an all-inclusive Okon Aku Community Peace Committee, government takeover of the Erei Farm Settlement, and the investigation and prosecution of individuals found culpable in criminal activities.
Justice Wosu expressed confidence that the implementation of the recommendations would usher in lasting peace, justice, and communal harmony in the community.
He commended the state government for the opportunity to serve and acknowledged the support of relevant stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lady Oge Maduka, and security agencies.
The report, compiled in four volumes, contains detailed proceedings and exhibits, offering what the panel described as a comprehensive roadmap for resolving the Okon Aku crisis and strengthening peacebuilding efforts across Abia State.
Top government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, members of the panel, and senior ministry staff, were present at the event.
