Nwifuru Consoles Families of 2 Youths Allegedly Killed by Soldier at Ebonyi Mining Site

Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru

From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has commiserated with the families of two indigenes of Ihetutu village in Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area of the state, over the tragic and untimely deaths of their sons.

The deceased, identified as Joshua Obinna and Chibuike Okoro, were allegedly shot dead on Sunday by a soldier attached to Pelladium Mining Company in the area.

Governor Nwifuru, who condemned the killings, expressed his condolences on Wednesday when he visited the bereaved families in Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area.

Describing the incident as tragic and regrettable, the governor appealed to youths in the area to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths continued.

He assured the families that the state government would do everything within its power to ensure that justice was served for the deceased.

According to him, “Their deaths are absolutely tragic and regrettable, and we condemn the incident. That is why we have come as a government to commiserate with you over the untimely deaths of your sons.

“Again, we are using this opportunity to appeal to the youths to remain calm and law-abiding. I am happy that the Nigerian Army is investigating the matter.
“The information reaching me indicates that the soldier involved in the incident has been taken into custody. I assure you that a full investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding their killings,” .

The governor was accompanied by the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Michael Anyim, and was represented during the visit by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chief Chinedum Nkah.

Meanwhile, Pelladium Mining Company has reportedly been shut down following the deaths of the two youths in the community.