A community in Ohafia, Abia State, is in mourning after violence cut short the life of a young man just days before he was to be married.
The incident happened in the Okon-Aku community of Ohafia Local Government Area. According to local authorities, a crisis broke out on Friday, January 2nd. In the unrest, a young man named Igwe Akuma, from the Ndi Uma family compound, lost his life.
The violence did not stop there. Reports indicate that houses, vehicles, and other property belonging to residents were set on fire by youths involved in the disturbance.
The tragedy has drawn a strong response from the area’s traditional leadership. The Udumeze of Ohafia, Ezie Ohamoha Awa Orji Udonsi, and the broader Ohafia Council of Monarchs issued a statement on Saturday, January 3rd, condemning the events.
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In their statement, the traditional rulers confirmed a heartbreaking detail: Igwe Akuma was on the verge of getting married. “The Udumeze condemns completely the gruesome murder of a young Ohafian who was said to be getting married in a few days,” part of the statement read.
The council made its position clear, stating that there could be no acceptable reason for the killing of a native son, regardless of any disagreement or provocation. They emphasized that such acts of killing and destruction were a terrible way to begin a new year.
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In an effort to stem further trouble, the traditional leaders are appealing for peace, specifically between the Ndi Owom and Ndi Uma family compounds. They assured the community that they are working with security agencies to keep the situation from getting worse.
There has been some police action in response to the crisis. The Divisional Police Officer for the Ohafia division is said to have led a team to the area. Several suspects were arrested and are currently being questioned by the police.
The community now faces the difficult task of healing, as a planned celebration of marriage has been replaced by loss and destruction.
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