Nigeria: Ebonyi Govt Lifts Suspension On Ambertone As Ishiagu Community Buries Slain Youths

What the report says

Ebonyi State has lifted a suspension on Ambertone Logistics Limited’s mining operations in Ihetutu community, Ishiagu, after the burial of two youths whose deaths had triggered unrest in the area. The facility is operated by Zotmann Mining Limited. The decision came after several days of consultations involving state officials, company representatives, bereaved families and community stakeholders, according to the report by This Day published through AllAfrica.

The suspension had been imposed after Chibuike Elema, 18, and Obinna Gideon Akandu, 20, were allegedly shot dead by a military officer on October 18, 2026. The article says the circumstances are still unclear, and it notes information suggesting the officer may not have been officially on duty. The killings reportedly sparked anger among local youths, who attacked the mining site, burned vehicles and damaged equipment and offices, prompting the state government to halt operations temporarily to help restore order.

The report also says the company and community worked toward reconciliation after the violence. Ambertone representatives visited the families of the deceased to offer condolences, while family members said they still wanted answers about the shooting. Company representatives denied claims that management ordered the shooting and said the incident happened outside the firm’s premises.

A separate clarification in the article said early reports had confused Ambertone with Palladium Mining Company, which operates another site in the community but was not involved in the incident.