Two people have died and three others injured after a mining pit collapsed at the Ajirija lead site in Ihietutu, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State.
The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has once again raised concerns over unregulated mining activities in the state.
The pit, reportedly owned by businessman Henry Ahanaotu, was sublet to petty miners operating without proper supervision.
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It was allegedly being managed by an indigene of the community, Mrs. Lovelyn Victor.
An eyewitness who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on condition of anonymity described the tragedy as “one in a series of unreported deaths at the site.”
He lamented: “Unfortunately, these incidents 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.”
Reacting on Monday, Ahanaotu described the incident as regrettable but defended his decision to sublet the mine.
“Mine pit collapse is a regular occurrence anywhere mining is carried out. Even Royal Salt, the biggest mining firm in Nigeria, experiences similar tragedies.
All we are doing is to empower our youths,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that five persons were involved in the accident.
“The first victim died on the spot while another passed away in the hospital. The remaining three have been treated and discharged,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Sylvia Ogbuinya, Chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and called for stricter enforcement.
“Collapsed pits are avoidable when proper safety standards are followed. We urge the government to check illegal operators,” she stressed.
