A bloody crisis erupted in Okon-Aku, Ohafia LGA, Abia State, on Friday as a young man, Mr. Igwe Akuma, was brutally murdered just days before his wedding.
Following the killing, enraged youths went on a destructive spree, setting houses, vehicles, and other properties ablaze, plunging the community into fear and panic.
The Udumeze of Ohafia and the Ohafia Council of Monarchs condemned the gruesome murder in a statement on Saturday. They expressed deep sympathy for the family of the victim and slammed the violence, stressing that nothing justifies the killing of an Ohafia son.
“The Udumeze condemns in its entirety the gruesome murder of a young Ohafian who was said to be getting married in a few days,” the statement read. “Killing and destruction are not the best ways to start a new year.”
The council appealed for calm between the Ndi Owom and Ndi Uma compounds, promising to work with security agencies to stop the crisis from escalating.
Confirming the incident, Abia State Police PRO, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the DPO of Ohafia Divisional Headquarters led officers to arrest suspects linked to the murder and arson.
Residents are now living in fear as the community reels from the shocking violence, demanding swift justice and stronger security.
