…backs Governor Otti to Deliver Justice as Atonement for Death of Igwe Akuma
As reactions continue to trail the recent crisis in Okon Aku, Ohafia, Abia State, which resulted in the killing of Igwe Akuma, President of the National Association of Ohafia Students and the 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 crucial 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 online news sources.
Udensi opined that 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.
Udensi 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.
He added that, “This was no longer a purely communal issue, “but one driven by political interests seeking control and advantage.”
Igwe Akuma’s death and alleged prior threats according to the former ASUBEB Commissioner, were more troubling maintaining that the circumstances surrounding the death of Igwe Akuma, who was reportedly killed on January 2, 2026 should not be down played.
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, raises serious questions like: 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?
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 from the real issues, namely: the alleged abuse of power, economic interests, and political manipulation surrounding Okon-Aku.
While calling for calm and restraint among the people of Okon-Aku, Udensi insisted that peace cannot be achieved without truth and accountability.
He cautioned against secret meetings, back-channel negotiations, or attempts to influence any ongoing or future investigations into the crisis.
The former council boss expressed confidence in Governor Alex Otti, imploring him to ensure that investigations remain independent, transparent, and free from political interference, regardless of the offices or individuals involved.
Udensi also said, the Okon Aku crisis represents a defining test for the Abia State government as it is 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 emphasised 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.
