Okon-Aku Crisis: Udensi Backs Governor Otti to Deliver Justice, alleges Political Interference, State Interests 

Fresh revelations have continued to emerge over the violent crisis in Okon-Aku, Ohafia, Abia State, a crisis that culminated in the killing of Igwe Akuma, President of the National Association of Ohafia Students, and the large-scale destruction of property within the community.

A former Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area and former Commissioner with the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Hon. Ekea Udensi, has alleged that political interference and vested interests played a decisive role in escalating what began as a local traditional dispute into a deadly conflict.

Hon. Udensi made these assertions while speaking on “Stand Point,” a live radio phone-in programme on Rapid FM 96.5, Umuahia, monitored by Newsmirrorng.com

Political Interests and a Controversial Traditional Process

According to Udensi, the Okon-Aku crisis cannot be properly understood without examining the political undercurrents surrounding the installation of the Ezeogu. He disclosed that members of the Ndi Uma Compound had persistently raised objections, alleging that the process was riddled with procedural violations, lack of consensus, and undue external influence.

He argued that instead of addressing these grievances through transparent dialogue and lawful mechanisms, political actors allegedly intervened in ways that deepened mistrust, polarized the community, and ultimately ignited violence.

“This was no longer a purely communal issue,” Udensi implied, “but one driven by political interests seeking control and advantage.”

Igwe Akuma’s Death and Alleged Prior Threats

More troubling, according to the former ASUBEB Commissioner, are the circumstances surrounding the death of Igwe Akuma, who was reportedly killed on January 2, 2026.

Udensi revealed that the late student leader had raised public and private alarms about threats to his life before his murder—warnings that, he suggested, were either ignored or inadequately addressed by relevant authorities.

He further alleged that Igwe Akuma had exposed what he described as the hidden interests of the Deputy Governor of Abia State in a palm plantation located in Okon -Aku, an issue he said introduced powerful economic stakes into an already volatile situation.

These allegations, Udensi noted, raise serious questions:

• Who benefited from the silencing of the young activist?
• Were his warnings documented and investigated?
• And why was he left unprotected despite the risks he reportedly faced?

Counter-Allegations and Claims of Character Assassination

Addressing allegations linking him to oil bunkering activities, Hon. Udensi dismissed the claims as fabricated, politically motivated, and intended to discredit his voice amid growing public scrutiny of the crisis.

He described the accusations as a deliberate attempt to shift focus away from the real issues—namely, the alleged abuse of power, economic interests, and political manipulation surrounding Okon-Aku.

Call for Accountability and an Impartial Investigation

While appealing for calm and restraint among the people of Okon-Aku, Udensi insisted that peace cannot be achieved without truth and accountability. He warned against secret meetings, back-channel negotiations, or attempts to influence any ongoing or future investigations into the crisis.

The former local government chairman expressed confidence in Governor Alex Otti, urging him to ensure that investigations remain independent, transparent, and free from political interference, regardless of the offices or individuals involved.

According to Udensi, the Okuon Aku crisis represents a defining test for the Abia State government—one that will determine whether justice will be served for Igwe Akuma, his grieving family, and a traumatized community, or whether impunity will once again prevail.

He concluded by stressing that only a thorough, fearless investigation—one that follows the facts wherever they lead—can restore trust, deliver justice, and prevent further bloodshed in Okon-Aku and beyond.