The management of Ambertone Logistics Limited has visited the families of two young men reportedly shot dead by a military personnel in Ihetutu community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The victims, identified as 18-year-old Chibuike Elema and 20-year-old Obinna Gideon Akandu, reportedly died on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in a shooting incident involving a soldier said to be attached to the mining company.
The condolence visits were organised to sympathise with the bereaved families and express the company’s concern over the tragic incident, which has sparked tension between residents and the mining firm.
Although the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, reports indicate that the incident occurred about three kilometres from Ambertone’s mining facility, in front of the Greenfield Mining site. The soldier was also reportedly not on official duty when the shooting happened.
The deaths were followed by an attack on Ambertone Logistics’ operational facility, where some youths allegedly set vehicles ablaze and destroyed mining equipment, offices and other properties.
Leading the company’s 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 pain and emotional trauma associated with losing their children.
Onyeazor appealed for compassion, understanding and peaceful engagement, noting that the visit was an expression of the company’s concern for the affected families and its commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship with its host community.
He maintained that Ambertone had enjoyed a working relationship with the people of Ihetutu over the years and expressed hope that the unfortunate development would not destroy the existing cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
The company representative also cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about the firm’s alleged involvement in the shooting, particularly claims that it instructed the military personnel to attack the youths.
According to him, the company had no reason to direct anyone to harm members of its host community, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident should be established through a proper investigation.
Speaking on behalf of Chibuike Elema’s family, his uncle, Elder Ukachukwu Josel Elema, appreciated the company for visiting the family during its period of mourning.
However, he questioned the circumstances that led to the killing of his nephew, saying the family was still struggling to understand what warranted the shooting.
He wondered why the young men were shot by a military officer, particularly as the incident reportedly happened outside the mining company’s premises.
The uncle acknowledged that Ambertone Logistics had maintained a cordial relationship with Ihetutu community since commencing operations, adding that the company had provided employment opportunities and other forms of support to residents.
He explained that several households in the community depend directly or indirectly on the mining company’s activities for their livelihoods.
While maintaining that the company had not personally wronged their family, he said their immediate priority was to secure the release of Chibuike’s remains for burial.
The family consequently appealed to the relevant authorities to release the deceased’s body so that they could perform the necessary burial rites.
Elder Elema also commended the company’s management for identifying with the family during its difficult period.
Meanwhile, the father of the second victim, Hon. Joshua Akandu, who serves as councillor representing Ihetutu Ward in Ishiagu, received the company’s delegation with visible grief.
Akandu struggled to contain his emotions while reflecting on the 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 traditional customs and offered prayers.
The bereaved father called for justice and accountability, urging that anyone found to have been directly or indirectly involved in his son’s death should be held responsible.
The visits come amid growing concerns over the Ebonyi shooting incident, with residents seeking answers and stakeholders calling for a transparent investigation into the deaths of the two youths.
The incident has also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the involvement of military personnel in the tragedy and the need to restore confidence between Ambertone Logistics and its host community.
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