RismadarVoice Reporters
November 8, 2026
The Ebonyi State Government has reportedly lifted the temporary suspension of mining activities at a facility operated by Ambertone Logistics Limited in partnership with Zotmann Mining Limited in Ihetutu, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area.
The decision followed consultations with community leaders, company representatives and families of two youths killed in a shooting incident on October 18, 2026.
The victims, Chibuike Elema, 18, and Obinna Gideon Akandu, 20, were reportedly shot by military personnel under circumstances that remain disputed.
Their deaths triggered protests and heightened tensions in the community, prompting the state government to suspend mining operations as a precautionary measure.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chinedu Nkah, reportedly announced the reopening after consultations aimed at restoring peace and economic activities.
He said the two victims had been buried and stressed that protecting lives remained a priority of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration.
The commissioner also warned mining operators against violating the rights of host communities, maintaining that companies found responsible for serious abuses could face sanctions.
Meanwhile, representatives of Ambertone Logistics Limited visited the bereaved families to express condolences and encourage reconciliation.
Henry Onyeazor, who led the delegation, described the deaths as regrettable and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to peaceful relations with the community.
He denied allegations that the company’s management authorised the shooting, insisting that the circumstances should be established through an independent investigation.
The company also sought to distinguish its operations from those of Palladium Mining Company, which it described as a separate operator in the area.
However, earlier reports presented conflicting accounts of the companies’ operational relationships and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Speaking during the condolence visit, Elder Ukachukwu Josel Elema, uncle of Chibuike Elema, appreciated the company’s representatives but called for clarity over the events leading to his nephew’s death.
The father of the second victim, Joshua Akandu, also received the delegation and expressed hope that those found responsible would be held accountable.
Earlier, the state government confirmed that a soldier allegedly involved in the shooting had been taken into custody, while military authorities indicated that investigations were ongoing.
Although the reopening is intended to restore economic activities and employment in the community, it does not determine responsibility for the deaths.
The incident has renewed concerns about the protection of host communities, accountability of security personnel and the conduct of mining operations in Ebonyi State.
