The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed sympathy with families of engineers from NELAN Consulting Engineers who died during the violent communal crisis in Effium, describing the incident as a painful tragedy linked to the wider Effium–Ezza Effium communal conflict in Ebonyi State.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, 16th March, 2026, by Francis Nwaze,
Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media.
The minister reacted to a protest by individuals identified as family members and sympathisers of the late engineers.
Umahi acknowledged the grief of the affected families, stating that no family deserves the pain of losing loved ones.
He noted that the incident occurred on November 3, 2021, at the height of the violent communal crisis between Effium and Ezza Effium communities.
According to the statement, the engineers were victims of the larger conflict that resulted in the loss of several lives and destruction of property during the period of severe insecurity in the area.
The minister explained that as governor of Ebonyi State at the time, he treated the matter with seriousness and immediately mobilised security agencies to launch search and investigative operations after receiving reports of the incident.
He added that he personally visited the scene with security operatives and was directly involved in efforts to locate the engineers and uncover those responsible.
The statement said the investigation led to the arrest of suspects who allegedly confessed to the crime, noting that they remain in custody while the case is still being prosecuted in court.
Umahi stressed that the government under his leadership did not abandon the case, noting that swift actions were taken, suspects were arrested and the matter was handed over to the justice system for prosecution.
While extending condolences to the bereaved families, the minister urged that discussions around the incident be guided by facts and the ongoing judicial process.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice, truth and the rule of law, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased engineers and strength for their families.