or the few Africans and Nigerians who have not heard of Abia state in Nigeria, this beautiful part of Eastern Nigeria, home to over 2.4m people is the birthplace of many illustrious sons of Nigeria. Amongst the prominent names that hail from the state are Major-Gen Aguiyi Ironsi (The first Nigerian Military head of state) and Michael Okpara (The former premier of Eastern Nigeria) to name a few. The state is also home to the famous Aba Ariara market and national war museum and is the current host of the first indigenous power project in Africa.

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Abia state was carved out of the old Imo state in 1991, following the agitation of locals. The very word "Abia" is an abbreviation of the state's four densely populated regions namely Aba, Bende, Isukwuato and Afikpo. Abia citizens are renowned to be very industrious, hospitable, friendly and kind. The state fondly called the "Japan of Africa" because of its numerous factories with budding and skilful entrepreneurs lies on the railroad between Port-harcout and Enugu. As one of the nine constituent states of the Niger Delta region, it is blessed with abundant oil resources and very arable lands. In Nigerian socio-economic politics, Abia state is a success story until now.

In recent years, Abia state has transformed itself from a peaceful and proud state into a dangerous part of Eastern Nigeria where there is now little or no regard for the rule of law, with extrajudicial and ritual killings, armed robberies and unsolved political murders the order of the day. Many of the victims of this lawlessness go unnoticed and the state and federal authorities often turn a blind eye to the mayhem unfolding underneath their feet. The catalogue of lawlessness is endless.

First, in August 2005, 27 Abia citizens were unlawfully killed by the now banned vigilante group "Bakassi Boys". Their crime was that someone pointed an accusing finger at them as "suspected armed robbers". No one was charged or prosecuted. No one was held to account for these killings.

Second, in August 2006, 16 suspected armed robbers were extra judicially executed by the Abia state police command itself. No one was charged or prosecuted for these killings. No one was held to account. A minor was claimed to be amongst these suspected group of armed robbers.

Third, in November 2007, 5 young men tagged as "armed robbers" were brutally murdered by a mob in Arochukwu local government area in Abia state. No one was charged or prosecuted for these killings. No one was held to account.

The list goes on and is endless. Many of the victims are unknown and easily forgotten.

On November 4th 2007, the spate of killings in Abia state took a new turn for the worse when an innocent man, a pastor of great kindness, grace and compassion (Pastor Onyewumbu Okuakaji) was gunned down by unknown assassins in his village as he slept peacefully. Normally based in Florida state in America with his wife, he visited home for a brief holiday and thought like any normal person that he was safest amongst his kindred in his village Umukabia (Ohuhu) in Umuahia, the capital of Abia state. Little did he know the fate that will befall him. Little did he know that his life will be taken by his own people. Pastor (Dr) O.O.Okuakaji, may you rest in peace. Many who know you will mourn you deeply. Many who don't know you will grief sorrowfully at your untimely death. But I believe your death will not be in vain.

Surely it is time that the hapless authorities in Abia state, wake up to the reality of the total security breakdown in this once proud area of igboland. How many more lives will have to be lost needlessly before someone gets a hold of the situation. The proliferation of guns in the Niger delta area by many bandits, who call themselves "militants" fighting for a cause and abject poverty have turned a once peaceful and prosperous state into the modern day "Beirut" of our time where the lives of innocent citizens can no longer be guaranteed and hired killers can be bought for a pittance.

For how long more will Abia state citizens have to suffer before someone gets a hold of the situation. For how long more, will gracious men have to die before the authorities wake up to the situation. The police command in Abia state must now have to rise up and ensure that all of the killers of Pastor Onyewumbu Okuakaji are apprehended and prosecuted with vigour.