Ebonyi: Tragedy struck at the Ajirija lead mining site in Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, when the pit collapsed, leaving two persons dead and three others injured.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the site, reportedly owned by Henry Ahanaotu, had been sublet to unlicensed petty miners operating without professional supervision. The affected pit was managed by an indigene of Ihietutu, Mrs. Lovelyn Victor.
An indigene of the community, speaking anonymously, noted that this incident was one among several unreported tragedies at the site. A similar incident earlier in the year also claimed two lives with no sanctions imposed on the site owner or illegal operators. The source lamented the lack of accountability, stating, “Unfortunately, these incidents and deaths only end with the police, if at all. There has never been any punishment for the site owners or illegal miners, who put lives at risk.”
Ahanaotu described the incident as unfortunate but defended his decision to sublet the lease as a means of empowering local youths. He highlighted that Victor was an established miner equipped with significant resources. He acknowledged that pit collapses are common in mining operations and cited Royal Salt as an example of a reputed firm experiencing similar incidents. Ahanaotu noted that a visit to the scene for inspection was pending and expressed confidence in Victor’s adherence to safety principles.
The state Police Command’s spokesman, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident and reported that five persons were involved, contrary to earlier claims of six. Ukandu stated, “The first victim died on the spot, while another died in the hospital. The remaining three have been treated and discharged.”
The state Chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners, Mrs. Sylvia Ogbuinya, expressed regret over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. She emphasized that the operator of the affected pit was not a member of the federation and called for a thorough police investigation. Ogbuinya highlighted the federation’s commitment to regular training and workshops to ensure safety in mining operations.
Community members urged state and federal mining authorities to address the activities of unlicensed and illegal miners, citing frequent pit collapses leading to deaths. They appealed for enforcement of regulations to prevent further tragedies and protect lives and the environment.