MINING PIT COLLAPSE IN EBONYI LEAVES 2 DEAD, 3 INJURED

Read Time:3 Minute, 5 Second

BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA

A calamity occurred at the Ajirija lead mining facility within the Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, over the weekend when the excavation site collapsed, resulting in the fatalities of two individuals and leaving three others with severe injuries.

The site, reportedly owned by Henry Ahanaotu, was allegedly divided and rented out to unlicensed small-scale miners who operated without appropriate oversight from professionals. The impacted pit was purportedly managed by Mrs. Lovelyn Victor, a member of the local community.

A resident of the area, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the condition of anonymity, asserted that this incident is part of a string of unreported accidents at the location. They recalled a prior occurrence earlier this year that also resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries, yet no punitive measures were taken against either the property owner or the illicit miners.

“Regrettably, these events and fatalities often conclude with the police, if they are addressed at all. There has never been any accountability for the site owners or unauthorized miners who jeopardize lives,” the source remarked.

In response, Ahanaotu expressed that the incident was unfortunate; however, he explained that he sublet the lease to the operators as a means of empowering the community youth. He contended that Victor is an established miner possessing over four excavators and various heavy machinery.

“Collapses in mining pits are commonplace wherever extraction activities occur. Even Royal Salt, regarded as the largest mining enterprise in Nigeria, encounters instances of pit collapses leading to casualties.

“While the event transpired last weekend, we have not yet visited the site to inspect and ascertain the reasons behind the occurrence. I have also contacted the Federal Mines Officer to inform him.

U.S. MISSION MANDATES NIGERIAN VISA APPLICANTS TO DISCLOSE SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES

“However, regarding operational adherence to safety protocols, she manages that effectively. She is also in collaboration with other site operators. Our intent is to assist in empowering the local populace,” Ahanaotu stated.

The spokesperson for the state Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident, noting that a report from the Ivo Police Division indicated that five individuals were involved in the accident, differing from the six reported by community members.

He said: “Five individuals were indeed involved in this unfortunate event. The first victim succumbed at the scene, while another passed away in the hospital. The remaining three have received treatment and been discharged,” Ukandu stated.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Sylvia Ogbuinya, the state Chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners, expressed her sorrow regarding the tragedy and extended condolences to the grieving families. Ogbuinya mentioned that the operator of the affected pit was not affiliated with the federation and called for a comprehensive police investigation into the incident.

“We conduct regular training and workshops for our members to ensure they are updated with contemporary safety standards in mining operations to protect lives. I have verified that the affected operator is not a member of the federation. We are left wondering if she complies with standard safety procedures and regular environmental impact assessments to mitigate risks,” Ogbuinya concluded.
Certain residents of Ihietutu, who also communicated with NAN regarding the incident, urged both state and federal mining regulators to monitor the actions of unlicensed and illicit miners within the region.

“These unlawful miners prioritize profit over compliance with regulatory standards, thereby jeopardizing lives and the environment.

“Caved-in pits that result in fatalities have become a frequent occurrence in our community, inflicting ongoing distress on families.

“We are appealing to the appropriate authorities to implement regulations against illegal and unlicensed mining in our community,” they stated.