Okon-Aku Crisis: Abia Deputy Governor Breaks Silence, Releases Explosive Details to Clear His Name

The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has issued a strongly worded and detailed rebuttal to renewed allegations linking Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, to the tragic killing of the late Igwe Akuma in Okon-Aku community, describing the claims as "misinformation, conjecture and deliberate misrepresentation of facts.ÔÇØ

In a press release signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Michael Ukpabi, the Deputy Governor's office accused certain interests of weaponising grief and distorting timelines in a desperate attempt to criminalise a lawful security intervention that was aimed at saving lives and restoring order.

The statement stressed that emotionally charged accusations cannot replace facts, evidence or due process, warning that attempts to mislead the public through media trials only undermine justice and public peace.

What Really Took Emetu to Okon-Aku

According to the statement, the Deputy Governor was alerted on the night of January 2 by multiple distress calls from Okon-Aku reporting arson, sporadic gunfire and imminent danger to lives and property.

In line with his constitutional responsibility, Emetu immediately sought institutional security intervention. He contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ohafia, who reportedly informed him that available officers were overstretched. Calls to the Commander of 14 Brigade and the Commissioner of Police were also made, but immediate reinforcement was not available.

With the security situation rapidly deteriorating and lives at risk, the Deputy Governor proceeded to Okon-Aku with his officially attached security personnel to de-escalate violence and stabilise the community.

Barricades, Arrests and Emergency Rescues

On arrival, Emetu's convoy encountered illegal barricades blocking entry and exit from the community. After he identified himself via the convoy's public address system, those manning the barricades reportedly fled. Security operatives subsequently arrested Mrs. Grace Udensi in connection with activities at the scene.

The Deputy Governor then moved to the residence of Ezieogo Bernard Kama, who had earlier called in distress, claiming that armed youths were threatening his life. Ezieogo was safely evacuated from the community in a bid to prevent further bloodshed.

While exiting Okon-Aku towards Isiama, the Deputy Governor's team encountered military gun trucks near burning houses. Several young men with gunshot wounds were found crying for help. They reportedly told security personnel that they had been shot earlier during clashes within the community.

In a move described as humanitarian and lawful, Emetu ordered their immediate evacuation to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, under police escort, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Hard Questions the Public Must Ask

The Deputy Governor's office posed a series of pointed questions that it says must be answered for justice to prevail, including:

-If Igwe Akuma had already been shot before Emetu arrived, on what factual basis is the Deputy Governor being blamed?

-Who had custody of Akuma after he was shot, and why was he not immediately taken to a recognised medical facility?

-Why was his body allegedly found in a private family compound?

-Who authorised the barricading of Okon-Aku and the burning of the Eze's palace and other homes?

The statement also asked why the Deputy Governor's presence resulted in arrests, medical evacuation of victims, and restoration of order if his intentions were truly malicious.

Deputy Governor's Clear Position

The Office of the Deputy Governor made it clear that Engr. Emetu has no ancestral, political, personal or traditional interest in the Okon-Aku chieftaincy dispute. His intervention, it said, was purely preventive and humanitarian, aimed at protecting lives and enabling security agencies to perform their lawful duties.

At no point, the statement insisted, did the Deputy Governor order, supervise or condone violence, intimidation or extrajudicial actions.

Call for Independent Investigation

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, the office welcomed a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the entire Okon-Aku incident, urging anyone with credible information to submit it to security agencies rather than promote speculation in the media.

"The Government of Abia State remains committed to peace, justice and the protection of all citizens without fear or favour,ÔÇØ the statement concluded.