Ebonyi Mining Pit Collapse Claims Two Lives, Injures Three

tragedy struck at the Ajirija lead mining site in the Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, during the weekend, when a pit collapsed, resulting in two deaths and three critically injured persons.

The site, reportedly owned by Henry Ahanaotu, was said to have been subdivided and leased out to unlicensed petty miners operating without professional oversight.

According to iReporter Online, the affected pit was managed by an indigene of Ihietutu, Lovelyn Victor, an anonymous community member remarked 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 youths.

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.

He mentioned he had yet to visit the site to inspect the cause of the collapse but had contacted the Federal Mines Officer for briefing.

According to iReporter Online, 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.

According to iReporter Online, local indigenes urged authorities to clamp down on unlicensed and illegal miners, emphasizing that such operators prioritize profit over safety and environmental standards, leading to frequent pit collapses and ongoing community suffering.

They appealed to federal and state mining agencies to enforce mining laws to protect lives and preserve the ecosystem.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”