Two persons have been confirmed dead while three others were injured as the Ajirija lead mining site in Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu in Ivo local government area of Ebonyi collapsed at the weekend.
The site, reportedly owned by one Chief Henry Ahanaotu was said to have been leased to unlicensed miners operating without professional supervision.
The collapsed pit was said to being managed by one Mrs. Lovelyn Victor, an indigene of Ihietutu community.
Reacting to the incident, Chief Ahanaotu described the collapse as unfortunate, but explained that he had leased to segment to operators to empower members of the community.
“Mine pit collapse is a regular occurrence anywhere mining is carried out. Even Royal Salt, touted as the biggest mining firm in Nigeria, has had incidences of pit collapse with attendant deaths.
“The incident happened last weekend. We are yet to visit the scene to carry out inspection to know why it occurred. I have also called the Federal Mines Officer to brief him.
“But as for carrying out operations based on safety principles, she (Mrs. Lovelyn Victor) does it well. She is also in partnership with other operators in the site. All we are doing is to help empower the people,” Ahanaotu said.
An indigene of the community, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, alleged that the incident was one in a series of unreported tragedies at the site.
He recalled that a similar incident earlier in the year also claimed two lives and left many others injured, without consequences to the site owner or the illegal operators.
“Unfortunately, these incidents and deaths only end with the police, if at all. There has never been any punishment for the site owner or the illegal miners who put lives at risk,” the source lamented.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebonyi Command, SP Joshua Ukandu who also confirmed the incident said that report from the Divisional Police Officer, Ivo Division, indicated that five persons were involved in the accident, contrary to the six reported by community members.
“Five persons were actually involved in the unfortunate incident. The first victim died on the spot, while another died in hospital. The remaining three have been treated and discharged,” Ukandu said.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners, Ebonyi Chapter, Mrs Sylvia Ogbuinya condemned the tragedy and demanded for full police investigation.
Ogbuinya claimed that the operator of the collapsed pit was not a registered member of the federation and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“We carry out regular trainings and workshops for our members to bring them up to speed with modern safety standards in mining operations to safeguard lives.
“I have checked, and the affected operator is not a registered member of the Federation. We wonder if she adheres to normal safety principles and regular environmental impact assessments to mitigate risks,” Ogbuinya said.
