NELAN Engineers’ Death: Umahi Reacts to Protest, Reaffirms Commitment to Justice
The Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has responded to a protest staged by individuals identified as family members and sympathizers of the late engineers of NELAN Consulting Engineers, describing the incident as a deeply painful tragedy.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the Minister expressed profound sympathy for the bereaved families, acknowledging the heavy emotional toll of losing loved ones under such circumstances.
The statement clarified that the incident occurred on November 3, 2021, during the peak of the violent Effium–Ezza Effium communal crisis in Ebonyi State. It noted that the engineers were victims of the broader conflict, which led to significant loss of lives and property across the area.
According to the Minister’s office, Senator Umahi, who was Governor of Ebonyi State at the time, acted promptly upon receiving news of the incident. He reportedly mobilized security agencies, initiated extensive search and investigative operations, and personally visited the scene alongside security operatives.
The efforts, the statement said, led to the arrest of suspects who allegedly confessed to the crime. The suspects have since remained in custody, with the case still ongoing in court.
The Minister emphasized that his administration did not neglect or suppress the matter, insisting that due process was followed, with arrests made and the case handed over to the judiciary for prosecution.
While reiterating his condolences, Umahi stressed the need for public discourse to remain factual and respectful of the ongoing legal proceedings. He also reaffirmed his commitment to justice, the rule of law, and continued prayers for the victims and their families.
The statement concluded by noting that the communal unrest at the time created a volatile environment that claimed several innocent lives, including those of the NELAN engineers.
