Police Arrest Suspects Over Killing of Abia Community Leader as Calm Returns to Ohafia

Police Arrest Suspects Over Killing of Abia Community Leader as Calm Returns to Ohafia

Ohafia, Nigeria — Police operatives in Abia State have arrested several suspects connected with the killing of a community leader in the Okon-Aku community of Ohafia Local Government Area, as peace gradually returns to the community following days of unrest. The development comes after a violent crisis erupted earlier in the week that saw arson, property destruction and heightened tension between rival compounds.

The deceased has been identified as Mr. Igwe Akuma Akwu, a respected community figure and former President-General of the National Association of Ohafia Students (NAOS), whose death on Friday, 2 January 2026 triggered widespread anger and retaliation across the predominantly rural area. Residents say the killing sparked intense clashes in the Okon-Aku settlement, with houses, vehicles and other property torched as youths took to the streets in protest. 

In response to the crisis, the Abia State Police Command swiftly mobilised operatives from the Ohafia Divisional Headquarters, along with two tactical teams, to the scene. According to DSP Maureen Chinaka, the state police spokesperson, police not only moved to restore law and order but also arrested a number of suspects believed to be involved in the killing and subsequent violence. 

Police efforts appear to have contributed to a return of relative calm in the community. Security operatives remained deployed to prevent further outbreaks of violence and ensure that residents could resume daily activities without fear of further reprisal attacks. The arrests are part of a broader strategy by the Abia police to investigate the incident comprehensively and bring all responsible individuals to justice. 

Details of the suspects’ identities and the motive behind the killing have yet to be officially disclosed as investigators continue interrogations. However, initial accounts suggest that underlying tensions between local compounds may have escalated into deadly conflict. The community’s traditional council and security agencies have urged residents to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its course. 

The violent episode disrupted the normally peaceful routine of Okon-Aku, a farming community known for its tight-knit social structure. The arson attacks that followed the leader’s death compounded the trauma for many families, destroying personal homes and assets and deepening communal grief. Traditional rulers, including the Udumeze of Ohafia and the Ohafia Council of Monarchs, condemned both the murder and the ensuing destruction in the strongest terms, calling for unity and peaceful resolution of grievances.

Community leaders, law enforcement officials and stakeholders have emphasised that security and justice must prevail to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents. They have appealed to youths and residents to avoid self-help measures and to support the ongoing police investigation with credible information that can expedite the identification and prosecution of all those involved. 

Meanwhile, families affected by the unrest are beginning the arduous process of rebuilding, with residents making tentative efforts to repair damaged homes and restore livelihoods disrupted by the violence. The return of peace has been welcomed across Okon-Aku, but many inhabitants stress that lasting stability will require continued dialogue between rival factions and a firm commitment to community solidarity. 

The Abia State Police Command has vowed to sustain its presence in the area and emphasised its determination to ensure that justice is served. The arrests mark a critical step in addressing the conflict, and authorities have assured the public that all legal measures will be pursued to hold perpetrators accountable, thereby reinforcing the rule of law and protecting the lives and property of citizens in Abia State. 

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