The Office of David Umahi, Minister of Works, has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of engineers from NELAN Consulting Engineers who tragically lost their lives during the violent communal clashes between Effium and Ezza Effium in Ebonyi State.
This expression of sympathy follows a recent protest by family members and sympathizers of the deceased, seeking clarity over the incident.
In a statement released by Francis Nwaze, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media, the minister acknowledged the profound sorrow surrounding the loss of loved ones, describing the engineers’ deaths as a tragic event.
The tragic incident occurred on November 3, 2021, during a peak in violent confrontations between the two communities, which resulted in numerous fatalities, widespread property destruction, and an atmosphere of severe insecurity in the region.
Umahi’s office clarified that the engineers were not specifically targeted but were instead caught in the broader violence that plagued the communities at that time.
Following the reports of the engineers’ disappearance, Umahi, who was serving as the Governor of Ebonyi State at the time, took decisive action by mobilizing security personnel and initiating thorough search and investigative operations. He personally visited the scene alongside security officials and remained actively involved in the quest to locate the engineers and identify those responsible for the tragedy.
The investigations yielded results, leading to the arrest of individuals connected to the crime, who reportedly confessed to their involvement. As of now, these suspects remain in custody, and the case is under judicial consideration, with proceedings continuing even after Umahi’s tenure as governor.
The minister’s office emphasized that the government under Umahi did not overlook or suppress the issue, highlighting that prompt investigative measures were enacted, arrests were made, and suspects were handed over to the proper authorities for prosecution.
While expressing deep sorrow for the grieving families, the minister urged that discussions regarding the incident should be informed by verified information and respect for the ongoing judicial process.
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