Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the killing of engineers from NELAN Consulting Engineers in Ebonyi State in 2021 was a tragic consequence of the violent communal crisis between Effium and Ezza Effium communities.
In a statement issued on Monday by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased engineers and acknowledged the pain surrounding their deaths.
The statement followed a protest by individuals described as family members and sympathisers of the late engineers, who were reportedly killed on November 3, 2021, at the height of the Effium–Ezza Effium communal conflict in Ebonyi State.
According to the statement, the engineers were victims of the wider communal violence that engulfed the area at the time and were not specifically targeted.
The conflict, which involved rival groups within the Effium community, led to widespread insecurity and the loss of lives and property.
The minister’s office noted that immediately the incident was reported to Umahi, who was then governor of Ebonyi State, he directed security agencies to commence search and investigative operations to determine the fate of the engineers and apprehend those responsible.
It added that Umahi personally visited the scene with security operatives and supervised efforts aimed at locating the missing engineers and uncovering the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The statement further said investigations led to the arrest of suspects who allegedly confessed to involvement in the killings.
According to the minister’s office, the suspects remain in custody and the matter is currently before the court.
“The government under Senator Umahi did not abandon the matter, suppress it, or fail to act,” the statement said.
The minister further noted that arrests were made and the suspects were handed over to the justice system for prosecution.
While expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, the minister’s office urged the public to allow the judicial process to run its course and ensure that discussions about the incident remain guided by verified facts.
Umahi also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased engineers and for strength for their families as the legal process continues.
