In a renewed effort to restore peace, rebuild confidence and strengthen its longstanding relationship with its host community, the management of Ambertone Logistics Limited has paid condolence visits to the families of two youths allegedly killed by a soldier attached to the company in Ihetutu community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The condolence visits to the families of the late Chibuike Elema, 18, and Obinna Gideon Akandu, 20, formed part of the company’s efforts to identify with the bereaved families, demonstrate compassion and promote reconciliation following the tragic incident that recently threw the community into mourning.

It would be recalled that the two young men reportedly lost their lives on a Sunday after allegedly being shot by a military personnel attached to the mining company.

Although, the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear because the soldier was said not to be on duty on Sunday October 18 when the incident happened but Investigations are ongoing to establish what exactly transpired and determine the circumstances that led to the deaths of the two youths which happened 3 kilometers from the Mining site/company.

The unfortunate incident which took place just in front of Greenfield Mining site, sparked widespread anger among youths of the community, some of whom reportedly mobilised and attacked the mining company’s operational facility, setting vehicles ablaze and destroying mining equipment, offices and other valuable property.

The development heightened tensions between the company and members of its host community, raising concerns over the need for urgent intervention, dialogue and reconciliation.

However, in what stakeholders of the community described as a significant step towards rebuilding trust and restoring the cordial relationship that previously existed between both parties, the management of Ambertone Logistics Limited visited the bereaved families to commiserate with them over their painful losses.

Speaking during the visit, the leader of the Ambertone Logistics Limited delegation, Henry Onyeazor, expressed profound sadness over the tragic deaths, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply regrettable.

He conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the management and staff of the company to the families, noting that no words could adequately compensate for the loss of their loved ones.

Onyeazor acknowledged the emotional trauma experienced by the bereaved families and the entire Ihetutu community, stressing the importance of compassion, understanding and peaceful engagement during such a difficult period.

He explained that the visit was intended to demonstrate the company’s concern for the affected families and its commitment to rebuilding mutual trust with members of the community.

The Ambertone representative emphasised that the company places enormous value on its relationship with the people of Ihetutu, having maintained a cordial working relationship with the host community over the years.

He noted that the tragic incident should not be allowed to permanently destroy the understanding, cooperation and peaceful coexistence that had existed between the company and its host community.

He advised the families to disregard the speculation flying around that the mining company asked the military personnel attached to the company to carry out the act, saying that no reasonable person or company can ask workers to unleash such havoc on its host.

Elder Ukachukwu Josel Elema, uncle of the late Chibuike Elema, who spoke on behalf of the bereaved family during the condolence visit by the management of Ambertone expressed appreciation to the management of the for visiting the family to commiserate with them over the tragic loss of their son.

“On behalf of my family, I sincerely appreciate the management of the company and everyone who has come here today to sympathise with us during this difficult period. My father is the elder brother of Chibuike’s father, and I am speaking on behalf of our family.

“Death is a painful experience, particularly when it involves a young person whose future holds so much promise. We understand that no amount of tears, sorrow or mourning can bring back our beloved son.

“As you rightly pointed out, one of the questions we are asking is what exactly our children did to warrant being shot by a military officer. We are still struggling to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, especially considering that the shooting did not even take place within the company’s premises.

“I want to state clearly that since the mining company commenced operations in our community, we have never had any serious disagreement or misunderstanding with the company. On the contrary, the company has maintained a cordial relationship with our people and has continued to support many families within the community.

“Today, a significant number of people in this community depend directly or indirectly on the company for their livelihoods. Many families benefit from its activities, and we cannot deny the assistance and opportunities it has provided to our people 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.

“We are therefore appealing to the relevant authorities to release the remains of our beloved Chibuike to the family so that we can perform the necessary burial rites and allow him to rest in peace.

“We also appreciate the fact that the company has not abandoned us in this moment of grief. Its presence here today demonstrates that it recognises our pain and is willing to stand with us during this difficult period.

“We know the company has been supportive of our community, and we appreciate its continued concern for our welfare.

“Once again, on behalf of the entire family, I sincerely thank the management of company, our friends, brothers, community leaders and everyone gathered here today for coming to condole with us.

The father of the second victim, Hon. Joshua Akandu, a serving councillor representing Ihetutu Ward in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was visibly overwhelmed with grief as he received representatives of the company, who visited the family to commiserate with him over the tragic death of his son, Obinna Gideon Akandu.

The bereaved father struggled to conceal his emotions as he reflected on the painful circumstances surrounding his son’s death, expressing deep sorrow over the untimely loss.

However, following deliberations with the company’s representatives and other stakeholders present, Hon. Akandu presented kola nuts to the visitors in accordance with traditional customs and offered prayers.

In an emotionally charged moment, he invoked the wrath of the gods upon anyone directly or indirectly responsible for his son’s death, praying that those who had a hand in the tragedy would not escape divine justice.

His prayers reflected the depth of his grief and his desire for justice, even as he received the company’s delegation in a gesture of respect for traditional hospitality. (The Sun)