Nkechinyere Ewa
Ambertone Logistics Limited has visited the families of two youths allegedly shot dead by a soldier attached to its operations in Ihetutu community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, in a move aimed at promoting reconciliation and restoring confidence between the company and its host community.
The victims, Chibuike Elema, 18, and Obinna Gideon Akandu, 20, reportedly lost their lives on Sunday, October 18, following a shooting incident involving a military personnel attached to the mining company.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, as investigations are ongoing to establish what transpired. Reports indicate that the soldier was not on duty when the incident occurred, which reportedly happened about three kilometres from the mining site, in front of Greenfield Mining site.
The incident sparked outrage among youths of the community, some of whom reportedly attacked the company’s operational facility, setting vehicles ablaze and destroying mining equipment, offices and other property.
The development heightened tensions between the company and its host community, prompting calls for dialogue and reconciliation.
However, in a demonstration of concern for the bereaved families, the management of Ambertone Logistics Limited visited the families of the deceased to express condolences and seek ways of rebuilding the relationship between the company and the community.
Leading the delegation, Henry Onyeazor expressed sadness over the deaths, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply regrettable.
He conveyed the condolences of the company’s management and staff to the families, acknowledging the emotional trauma caused by the loss of their loved ones.
Onyeazor said the visit was intended to demonstrate the company’s solidarity with the bereaved families and reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship with Ihetutu community.
He stressed that the incident should not be allowed to destroy the longstanding relationship between the company and its host community, noting that Ambertone valued the cooperation and support it had enjoyed from the people over the years.
He also urged the families to disregard allegations that the company instructed the military personnel to shoot the youths, arguing that no reasonable company would deliberately authorise an action capable of causing such harm to its host community.
Responding on behalf of the family of Chibuike Elema, his uncle, Elder Ukachukwu Josel Elema, appreciated the company’s delegation for identifying with them during their period of grief.
He said the family was still struggling to understand the circumstances surrounding the death of their son, particularly what could have warranted a military officer shooting the youths.
According to him, the family had maintained a cordial relationship with the mining company since it commenced operations in the community.
He noted that several residents depended directly or indirectly on the company’s activities for their livelihoods, adding that the company had supported many families over the years.
“As far as we are concerned, the company has not wronged our family. Our immediate concern is to ensure that our son is buried,” he said.
He appealed to the relevant authorities to release Chibuike’s remains to the family to enable them to perform the necessary burial rites.
The father of the second victim, Hon. Joshua Akandu, a serving councillor representing Ihetutu Ward in Ishiagu, Ivo LGA, was visibly emotional as he received the company’s delegation.
Akandu, who struggled to contain his grief, expressed sorrow over the untimely death of his son, Obinna Gideon Akandu.
Following discussions with the company’s representatives and other stakeholders, he presented kola nuts to the visitors in line with local customs and offered prayers.
In an emotional reaction, the bereaved father called for divine justice against anyone directly or indirectly responsible for his son’s death, praying that those involved would not escape accountability.
His reaction reflected the family’s grief and demand for justice, even as he received the company’s delegation in accordance with the community’s traditional hospitality.
Meanwhile, one of the victims Gideon will be laid to mother earth on 3rd November, 2026 according to his people.