The Abia State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the killing of a community leader, Mr. Igwe Akwu, in Okon-Aku Community, Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred last Friday, led to tension in the area before security agencies intervened.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, noting that calm has since been restored.
According to the police, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, promptly deployed officers from the Ohafia Divisional Headquarters alongside two tactical teams to the community to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“The Abia State Police Command is aware of the unfortunate incident in Okon-Aku Community, Ohafia Local Government Area,” Chinaka said. “Four persons who sustained injuries are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while one life was sadly lost.”
She added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing and are presently undergoing interrogation.
“Peace has been restored in the community.
Suspects arrested in connection with the incident will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the police spokesperson stated.
“Monitoring of the area is ongoing to ensure sustained peace.”
The police also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
“Community members are advised to avoid taking the law into their hands and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” Chinaka said, providing the command’s emergency contact lines.
Meanwhile, traditional rulers from the area, under the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, have condemned the killing and the violence that followed.
In a statement signed by the Udumeze of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Paramountcy Ezie Ohamoha, Elder Awa Udonsi, the monarchs described the killing as unjustifiable.
“There is no justification whatsoever for the murder of a young son of Ohafia, regardless of any provocation,” the statement read.
“The attendant arson that followed is equally condemned, as no community can experience meaningful development in an atmosphere of crisis.”
The council appealed to the warring groups, Ndi Owom and Ndi Uma compounds, to embrace peace, stressing that it was working with security agencies to find a lasting solution and prevent further escalation of the crisis.
