Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, has condemned the killing of two youths in Ihetutu village, Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area of the state, pledging that his administration would work with relevant authorities to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The two youths were allegedly shot dead by a soldier attached to Ambertone Logistics Mining Company operating in the area, an incident that has heightened tensions in the community.
Nwifuru, who spoke through the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chief Chinedu Nkah, during a visit to Ishiagu, described the killings as tragic and regrettable and appealed to residents, particularly youths, to remain calm and law-abiding.
According to the governor's representative, the soldier allegedly involved in the incident had been taken into custody, while an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings.
“Their deaths were tragic and regrettable, and we appeal to the youths of the area to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding,” Nwifuru said through Nkah.
The governor also assured the community that the state government would work with the relevant authorities to ensure that justice was served.
He further stated that the alleged perpetrator had been taken into custody and that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Chairman of Ivo Local Government Council, Chief Michael Anyim, said the community had maintained a peaceful relationship with Nigerian Army personnel deployed to the area before the incident.
Anyim, however, expressed concern over the deaths, which he described as unwarranted, and appealed to the youths to refrain from further violence, including the destruction of the mining company's property.
The council chairman said he would work with the state government and the Nigerian Army to calm tensions and pursue justice for the deceased and their families.
The General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, represented by Brigadier-General S. Julius, also condemned the incident and appealed to residents to remain calm while the Army investigated the matter.
According to the Army representative, the investigation would establish the circumstances of the killings, adding that anyone found responsible would face the appropriate consequences.
Nwifuru and his delegation subsequently visited the bereaved families to offer their condolences and pledged government support to them.
Meanwhile, Ambertone Logistics Mining Company has been sealed, and its operations suspended, pending the restoration of peace in the area, according to the account of the governor's visit.
The state government's action comes amid efforts to ease tensions in Ihetutu village and prevent further violence as investigations into the killings continue.
