The Ebonyi State Government has said only one person died in a shootout between Ebubeagu Security outfit and some youths in Amasiri community, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Some media outlets had reported that no fewer than four youths died from the incident that occurred on Saturday.
The Consultant to the State Government on Security, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abakaliki that the only casualty was one youth and not four.
Okoro-Emegha explained that the incident was as a result of disagreement between the the community and a Lebanese-owned quarry company, Conrock, over revenue.
He said: “The Ebubeagu went to the community over the matter.
“On sighting them, the youth began to shoot.
“In the process, a youth was shot.
“It happened that the youths have stopped the quarry from operating.
“Even the Council Chairman in the area went there to beg but they refused all her pleadings.
“On that day, when the Ebubeagu went there, the youths opened fire on them and one person was shot.
“After the person was shot, he was taken to the hospital and he was confirmed dead.
“Right now, over 15 persons in connection to the incident in the community have been arrested and they are all in police custody.”
Also reacting to the development, Loveth Odah, Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi State Police Command said she would give the full details of the incident.
Odah pledged to contact the Divisional Police Officer in the area.
