The Ebonyi State Government says it has launched an investigation into the collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu village, Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area, which claimed two lives and left three others injured.
The state’s Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, disclosed this on Friday during a fact-finding visit to the site alongside federal mining officers and security agencies.
The incident, which occurred penultimate Friday, was initially blamed on alleged negligence by the pit operator, Greenfield Metals Ltd. However, Onyia said preliminary findings suggest it may have been a natural occurrence.
“Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards. From our preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence,” Onyia said.
He explained that the investigation is being carried out jointly by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, the police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure transparency.
“If we find recklessness, we will act accordingly. But if it is a natural disaster, we must accept it as such,” the commissioner added.
Onyia commiserated with the bereaved families and dismissed claims that the pit was being operated by illegal miners. He stressed that the state government upholds licenses issued by the Federal Government and does not condone illegal mining.
Meanwhile, Prince Fabian Chukwu, Chairman of the Ihietutu Development Union Board of Trustees, defended Greenfield Metals Ltd., noting that the company had contributed significantly to the community.
“They built the road to this site and never delayed in giving the community its due entitlements. That is why we stand by them in this unfortunate incident,” Chukwu said.
The company has since suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of investigations.
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