The Abia State Government has set up an administrative panel of enquiry to investigate the recent crisis in Okon-Aku community, located in Ohafia Local Government Area.

The move follows last week’s violent incident in which a youth, Mr. Igwe Akuma Akwu, was shot dead, and several houses and vehicles belonging to residents of Okon-Aku were set ablaze.

A public notice signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, confirmed that Governor Alex Otti approved the panel in response to concerns over both the immediate and underlying causes of the unrest, and to identify those responsible for escalating the conflict.

The panel will be chaired by Justice K. O. Nwosu (Rtd) and includes Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Mrs. Charity Okeagu, and the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, who will serve as Secretary. Other members are Obinna Chimbuo of the Ministry of Justice, Eze Kalu Ogbu, Eze Franklin Nwosu, and Mr. Ahamefula George, Head of Service, Ohafia Local Government.

The panel is expected to begin its sittings immediately and submit its findings within four weeks.

The Commissioner urged residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to cooperate fully with the panel, providing any information that could help restore peace to Okon-Aku.