As the tension that trailed the tragic events that engulfed Okon-Aku Autonomous Community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, following the violent outbreak of January 2, 2026, which allegedly claimed the life of a youth and led to the destruction of several properties, including royal residences.
According to emerging reports from the troubled Clan, the crisis erupted during what was meant to be a peaceful cultural activity—the Igba Ekpe (Otaomu) ceremony. Reports have it that on January 2, 2026, Mrs Grace Udensi, a staff member of Nigerian Breweries Plc (NBPLC), led a group of hired cultists and criminal elements into the community with the intention of disrupting the ceremony and provoking unrest.
Eyewitness accounts say that Mrs Udensi stormed the village hall where the traditional ruler, HRH Eze Engr Ndukwe Iko (Nnaka IV), and members of the Ezie Ogo council were seated, vandalising property and attempting to incite violence. However, confrontation was reportedly avoided when Ezie Ogo and the monarch calmly vacated the hall in the interest of peace.
Not satisfied, Mrs Udensi returned to her family compound, Ndi Ekea, where she reportedly mobilised thugs and armed elements drawn from Ndi Edem, Ndi Uma (where Akuma hails from), and other criminal networks. The group launched a coordinated attack on Ndi Owom, the compound of Ezie Ogo Bernard Kama. In response, Ndi Owom promptly defended themselves, resulting in violent clashes that left several persons injured, including victims with gunshot wounds.
One of the casualties of this avoidable conflict was Hon. Akuma Akwu Igwe. While other injured persons were subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, for urgent medical treatment, Mrs Grace Udensi Kalu and those accompanying her withheld Akuma Akwu, abandoning efforts to save his life. Instead, it was claimed that he was pronounced dead without medical confirmation.
This dastardly act triggered a wave of jungle justice. The palace of HRH Nnaka IV was set ablaze, with the monarch and his entire family trapped inside the burning building for over two hours. Eyewitnesses allege that thugs surrounded the area, waiting to lynch the monarch should he attempt to escape. The situation was only brought under control following the intervention of security personnel attached to Governor Alex Otti, who dispersed the mob and restored a measure of calm.
In the same wave of destruction, the residence of Ezie Ogo was burnt, along with the house of Dr Kalu Uko Ebebe, a member of Ezie Ogo in Council.
More troubling questions continue to surface in the aftermath of the avoidable madness. Observers are demanding answers as to why Hon. Akuma Akwu Igwe was allegedly used as a pawn in what appears to be a premeditated attempt to destabilise the traditional leadership of Okon-Aku?
Even more disturbing is the allegation that security operatives later recovered the unconscious body of Hon. Akuma Akwu Igwe from the family residence of Mrs Grace Udensi Kalu (the Udensco family house). This development has raised serious concerns and intensified calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Key questions remain unanswered:
Who shot Hon. Akuma Akwu Igwe?
Why was he denied immediate medical attention?
Why was his body allegedly found in Mrs Grace Udensi’s family’s house?
Who orchestrated the arson attacks on the monarch’s palace and other homes?
Was the violence part of a broader plot to dismantle the authority of the Ezie Ogo and HRH Nnaka IV?
As investigations continue, community leaders, civil society groups, and concerned citizens are demanding justice, accountability, and the prosecution of all those found culpable, regardless of status or affiliation. The people of Okon-Aku insist that peace can only return when truth is established and justice is served.
