Two persons have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a mining pit in Ebonyi State.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, in Ivo Local Government Area, leaving residents in shock and reigniting concerns about illegal mining activities in the state.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Emmanuel Ajah, described the situation as heartbreaking.
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He said the collapse was linked to illegal mining practices carried out without proper safety measures.
“This unfortunate tragedy is a result of illegal mining activities which we have been warning against. Sadly, two lives have been lost.
“We call on residents to desist from these unsafe mining ventures,” Ajah stated.
He further stressed that the council would intensify efforts to curb such practices, adding that those behind illegal mining operations would be sanctioned.
Also speaking, a community leader, Chief Samuel Nworie, urged the state government to step up regulation of mining activities to prevent further loss of lives.
“We cannot continue to watch our young people die like this. The government must intervene urgently,” he said.
