The Ebonyi state government has said it was not contacted or informed about the coming of the slain contractors to site in Effium section of the Ring road project in Ohankwu Local Government of the state.
The five contractors engaged in Phase two (2) Effium ring road project in the area were abducted and allegedly murdered by warlords of Ezza extraction while on their route to site.
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The project, which cuts across 8 out of the existing 13 local government areas of the state, is being funded by Africa Development Bank (AFDB).
Daily Trust learnt that the abducted workers were killed and buried in the forest two months ago.
Reacting to the incident, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Uchenna Orji, said the government learnt about the incident after the abduction.
“For the records, Ebonyi State Government and the personnel executing the contract job were never contacted or informed about the coming of the officials of Nelan Consulting firm on the fateful day.”
“The resident Engineer and main contractor being supervised by Nelan Consulting firm has never shown presence till this moment.
“For our contractual relations with Nelan Consulting firm, we would allow some weeks for them to still sort their contractual problems out and go back to site.
“Based on the Police Investigation report on the incident, we view as disheartening the unfortunate circumstances that led to the sad news. We therefore extend our heartfelt condolences to all the families and the Nelan Company for this dastardly act by criminal elements while hoping for a comprehensive crackdown on the perpetrators,” he explained.
In January, a communal clash erupted between Effium and Ezza indigenes over market leadership.
