The Abia State Government has inaugurated an administrative panel of inquiry to unravel the causes of the recent violence in Okon-Aku community in Ohafia Local Government Area.
The move follows last week’s unrest, during which a youth, identified as Igwe Akuma Akwu, was shot dead, while several homes and vehicles belonging to residents were reportedly torched.
The announcement was contained in a public notice issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu.
According to the notice, Governor Alex Otti approved the constitution of the panel amid concerns over the triggers of the conflict and the need to identify persons or groups responsible for fueling the attacks.
The committee will be chaired by retired Justice K. O. Nwosu.
Other members include retired Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security; Mrs Charity Okeagu, Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, who will serve as secretary; Obinna Chimbuo of the Ministry of Justice; traditional rulers Eze Kalu Ogbu and Eze Franklin Nwosu; and Mr Ahamefula George, Ohafia Local Government Head of Service.
The panel is expected to begin work immediately and submit its findings within four weeks.
Nwachukwu urged residents, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the committee and provide useful information that would help restore peace and prevent fresh violence in the area.
