A tragic mining pit collapse occurred at the Ajirija lead mining site in Ihietutu community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State over the weekend, resulting in two deaths and three critical injuries. The site, reportedly owned by Henry Ahanaotu, had been parcelled out and leased to unlicensed petty miners operating without professional supervision, with Mrs. Lovelyn Victor, an indigene of the community, managing the affected pit.
A community insider revealed that the incident is part of a series of unreported tragedies at the site, noting that similar collapses earlier in the year also claimed lives without any sanctions on the site owner or illegal operators. The source lamented that consequences typically end with police involvement, with no lasting accountability for those responsible.
Ahanaotu described the incident as unfortunate but defended the leasing arrangement as a means to empower local youth. He emphasized that Mrs. Victor is an established miner who operates with several excavators and heavy equipment. Ahanaotu also noted that pit collapses are common in mining activities, citing Royal Salt a major Nigerian mining firm as an example which also experiences similar incidents.
The state Police Command spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the accident, stating that five individuals were involved contrary to earlier reports of six. One victim died on the spot, another in hospital, while the remaining three were treated and discharged.
Sylvia Ogbuinya, Chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners in the state, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged a thorough police investigation. She noted that the affected pit operator was not a member of the federation, raising questions about adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
Community members have called on state and federal authorities to clamp down on illegal and unlicensed mining activities that pose serious risks to lives and the environment.