The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, on Monday dismissed claims that he handled the case of five NELAN engineers who went missing on the 3rd of November, 2021, without seriousness.
Umahi was serving as Governor of Ebonyi State when the engineers disappeared.
He explained that the incident occurred during the violent communal clashes between the Effium and Ezza-Effium communities in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state. The conflict led to massive loss of lives and destruction of property worth billions of naira.
The engineers had been working on a road construction project for the state government in the community when they were reported missing during the crisis. They have not been found since then.
On Monday, the 16th of March, 2026, individuals said to be relatives and supporters of the missing engineers staged a protest in Abuja, calling for justice over their deaths.
Responding to the demonstration, Umahi maintained that the engineers were caught in the wider violence that engulfed the area and were not deliberately targeted. He said the war between the two communities claimed many victims at the time.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister expressed sympathy to the families of the missing workers. He said once he received information about the incident, he directed security agencies to begin a thorough search and investigation to uncover what happened and ensure those responsible were brought to justice.
Umahi also said he personally visited the location with security operatives and participated in the search efforts. He insisted he did not treat the matter casually and never ignored the state’s duty to pursue the truth, contrary to the allegations raised by the protesters.
“The attention of the Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has been drawn to the protest that occurred today by persons identified as family members and sympathizers of the late engineers of NELAN Consulting Engineers.
“First and foremost, the Honourable Minister acknowledges the deep pain that comes with the loss of loved ones. The death of the NELAN engineers remains a painful tragedy. No family deserves such grief, and the Honourable Minister understands the weight of that loss.
“As Governor of Ebonyi State at the time, Senator Umahi shared in that pain and treated the matter with the seriousness it deserved.
“For the purpose of clarity and public record, it is important to emphasize that the incident occurred on November 3, 2021.
“The unfortunate disappearance of the engineers occurred at the height of the violent Effium vs. Ezza-Effium communal conflict, a crisis that consumed lives, destroyed property, and threw the area into severe insecurity.
“The engineers were not singled out in isolation; they were victims of a wider conflict that tragically claimed many lives during that period.
READ ALSO: Families Of Missing Ebonyi Engineers Protest At Federal Works Ministry
“Immediately the information about the incident reached the then Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, CON, he swiftly mobilized security agencies and launched intensive search and investigative efforts to determine the whereabouts of the engineers and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“He personally visited the incident site with security operatives and was directly involved in the search efforts. He never treated the matter lightly and never looked away from the responsibility of the state to pursue the truth.
“These efforts led to the arrest of individuals involved in the dastardly act. Those arrested confessed to committing the crime, and they have remained in custody since then. The matter is still before the court, and the judicial process continues even after Senator Umahi left office as Governor.
“It must therefore be clearly understood that the government under Senator Umahi did not abandon the matter, suppress it, or fail to act. Swift investigative actions were taken, arrests were made, and the suspects were handed over to the justice system, where the case continues to be prosecuted.
“The Honourable Minister wishes to reiterate that he never wished for such a tragedy to occur. The communal violence that engulfed Effium at the time created a dangerous environment that sadly led to the loss of many innocent lives, including the NELAN engineers. As Governor then, he worked tirelessly to restore order and address the conflict that had devastated the area.
“While the Minister sympathizes deeply with the families and understands their grief, it is important that public discourse on this painful matter remains guided by facts and the ongoing judicial process.
“Senator Engr. David Umahi remains committed to justice, truth, and the rule of law, and he continues to pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for strength for their families,” Umahi stated.