A mining accident at the Ajirija lead site in Ihietutu community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has claimed two lives and left three others injured. The tragic incident occurred over the weekend when the pit caved in during operations.
The mining field, linked to businessman Henry Ahanaotu, had reportedly been leased out to local artisanal miners without proper licenses or professional supervision. One of the operators, identified as Mrs. Lovelyn Victor, was said to be managing the affected pit.
Residents told journalists that this was not the first time such an accident had taken place in the area. According to one source, earlier this year another collapse at the same site killed two people and injured several others, yet no sanctions were placed on those running the mine.
“These deaths often end without justice. Authorities rarely prosecute site owners or illegal miners, even though their negligence keeps endangering lives,” the resident said.
Reacting to the development, Ahanaotu described the accident as “unfortunate,” but maintained that subletting the site was a way of empowering youths in the community. He further defended the pit operator, insisting that she owned heavy mining equipment and followed safety guidelines.
The spokesperson of the Ebonyi Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident, stating that five people were involved. He explained that one victim died instantly, another passed away in hospital, while the remaining three had been discharged after treatment.
In her reaction, the Chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners, Mrs. Sylvia Ogbuinya, condoled with the victims’ families and demanded a thorough investigation. She stressed that the operator of the collapsed pit was not a registered member of the federation, raising concerns about adherence to safety standards.
Community members also appealed to both the state and federal governments to curb illegal mining in the area.
“Illegal operators are only concerned about profit, not safety. Pit collapses have become a recurring nightmare for our community. We need stronger enforcement of mining laws to protect lives and the environment,” a resident told journalists.
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