Umahi Reacts to NELAN Engineers’ Death, Links Tragedy To Effium Crisis
The Office of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has reacted to a protest staged by individuals identified as family members and sympathizers of engineers from NELAN Consulting Engineers who lost their lives in Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued on the matter, the Minister acknowledged the pain and grief of the affected families, describing the incident as a tragic loss that no family deserves to endure.
The statement clarified that the incident occurred on November 3, 2021, during the height of the violent communal crisis between Effium and Ezza Effium communities in Ebonyi State.
According to the Minister’s office, the engineers were victims of the broader conflict that claimed several lives and caused widespread destruction in the area, rather than being specifically targeted.
It further explained that upon receiving news of the incident at the time, Umahi, who was then Governor of Ebonyi State, immediately mobilized security agencies and initiated search and investigative operations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the engineers.
The statement noted that Umahi personally visited the scene alongside security operatives and closely monitored the search efforts, demonstrating the seriousness with which the matter was handled.
These efforts, according to the statement, led to the arrest of suspects who allegedly confessed to the crime. The suspects have since remained in custody, with the case still undergoing judicial proceedings.
The Minister’s office emphasized that the state government under Umahi did not neglect the incident, adding that prompt actions were taken, arrests were made, and the suspects were handed over for prosecution.
It also reiterated that the communal violence at the time created a volatile security situation, which contributed to the tragic loss of lives, including those of the engineers.
While expressing sympathy to the families, the Minister urged that discussions around the incident be guided by facts and respect for the ongoing judicial process.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Umahi’s commitment to justice, the rule of law, and his continued prayers for the victims and their families.
