Tragedy struck at the Ajirija lead mining site in the Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, during the weekend, when a mining pit collapsed, resulting in deaths of two miners and three others critically injured.
The site, reportedly owned by one Henry Ahanaotu, was said to have been subdivided and leased out to unlicensed small scale miners operating without professional oversight.
Sources say the affected pit was managed by a female indigene of Ihietutu, Lovelyn Victor. The source, a community member speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that this was not an isolated incident, noting that a similar collapse earlier in the year also claimed two lives and caused injuries, yet no sanctions were imposed on the site owner or the illegal miners involved.
Mr. Ahanaotu described the incident as unfortunate but explained that he leased the site as a means of empowering local youth.
He defended the safety practices of the operator, Ms. Victor, stating she is an experienced miner with multiple excavators and heavy equipment, and that pit collapses are common in mining operations worldwide, even at large firms like Royal Salt.
The businessman said he had yet to visit the site to investigate the cause of the collapse but had contacted the Federal Mines Officer in the state for briefing.
Joshua Ukandu, spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, confirmed the incident, stating that police reports indicated five persons involved, with one victim dying instantly, another succumbing in hospital, and three others treated and discharged. Initially, community reports suggested six victims.
Sylvia Ogbuinya, Chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners, expressed regret over the tragedy, noting that the operator was not a federation member and calling for a comprehensive police investigation.
She highlighted that the federation conducts regular training on safety standards, environmental impact assessments, and safety adherence, raising concerns over the practices of the unregulated operator.
Meanwhile, indigenes of the area have called on government to clamp down on unlicensed and illegal miners, saying such operators often prioritize profit over safety and standards, leading to frequent pit collapses and environmental disasters.
They also appealed to federal and state mining agencies to enforce mining laws to protect lives and preserve the ecosystem.
