Okon-Aku crisis: Abia Attorney General warns committee members against selective justice

The Okon-Aku crisis, which erupted on January 2, 2026, claimed the life of youth leader, Igwe Akuma, caused the destruction of several houses, and led to the exodus of some natives from their homes.

Speaking through Mrs Becky Ukechi to the members of the committee in Umuahia, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, warned the white paper committee against allowing personal interest to compromise the integrity of their jobs.

Uwanna, who was represented by Mrs Becky Ukechi, noted that recommendations coming from the white paper committee should not be altered or influenced by any external body, but urged the members to ensure that the white paper was implemented to achieve justice and lasting peace in the community.

“We must not allow personal interests, sentiments, ethnic or cultural considerations to influence our decision. White Paper should serve as a guiding document.

“Our responsibility is to ensure recommendations are implemented in letter and spirit without unnecessary alteration or selective application,” Ikechukwu Uwanna said.

Inaugurating the committee in Umuahia on Thursday, the Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzo Nwachukwu, said that the Abia State government had earlier studied a report submitted by its administrative panel on the Okon-Aku crisis, before coming out with the white paper.

Nwachukwu, who advised the committee to restore lasting peace in Okon-Aku, recalled how the State government used security agencies to quell the destruction in the community.

He noted that the members of the committee are made up of the Department of State Security, DSS, Commissioner of Police, Abia State Homeland Security Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Security Matters, Attorney General of Abia State, and Chairman of Ohafia LGA.