Two killed, three injured in Ebonyi mining pit collapse

Mining site

Tragedy struck at Ajirija lead mining site in Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, weekend, when the pit collapsed, leaving two persons dead and three others critically injured.

The site, reportedly owned by one Henry Ahanaotu, was said to have been parcelled out and subletted to unlicenced petty miners operating without professional supervision.The affected pit was allegedly being managed by an indigene of Ihietutu, Mrs Lovelyn Victor.

An indigene of the community, who spoke to NAN, on the condition of anonymity, said 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 several others injured, yet no sanctions were imposed on the site owner or the illegal operators.

“Unfortunately, these incidents and deaths only end with the police, if at all,” he said.

Reacting, Ahanaotu described the incident as unfortunate, but said he subletted the lease to the operators as a means of empowering youths of the community.

He argued that Victor was an established miner with over four excavators and other heavy equipment.

“Mine pit collapse is a regular occurrence anywhere mining is carried out. Even Royal Salt, touted as the biggest mining firm in Nigeria, experiences incidences of pit collapse with attendant deaths.

“The incident happened last weekend but we have yet to visit the scene to inspect and know why it occurred. Vanguard