...the police stated that Four injured victims were immediately taken to the hospital, while one death has been recorded.
ABIA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Abia State Police Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Igwe Akwu, a community leader in Okon-Aku Community, Ohafia Local Government Area, which occurred last Friday.
In a statement on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that normalcy has returned to the community and that several suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
She explained that upon receiving reports, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, deployed officers from the Ohafia Divisional Headquarters along with two tactical teams to restore and maintain law and order in the area.
The statement read in part:
“The Abia State Police Command is aware of the incident in Okon-Aku Community, Ohafia Local Government Area. Four injured victims were immediately taken to the hospital, while one death has been recorded.
Peace and order have since been restored. Community members have been advised to embrace peace, avoid lawlessness, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Suspects apprehended in connection with the case are being interrogated and will be arraigned in court once the investigation concludes. Monitoring of the area continues to ensure stability.
The CP urges the people of Abia State to continue their lawful activities, remain law-abiding, and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006.”
In a related development, traditional rulers from the community, under the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, condemned the violence that led to Mr. Akwu’s death.
In a statement signed by the Udumeze of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Paramountcy Ezie Ohamoha, and Elder Awa Udonsi, the monarchs said the killing of a young Ohafia son is unjustifiable under any circumstance, regardless of provocation.
“The accompanying acts of arson are also strongly condemned. Development cannot thrive amid conflict. We appeal to both Ndi Owom and Ndi Uma compounds to lay down their arms.
The Council, in collaboration with security agencies, remains committed to finding a lasting solution and preventing further escalation of the crisis.”
