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Ebonyi State Government has launched investigation into the collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of the state.
Southeastposts reports that the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Mr. Chidi Onyia, disclosed this at the site during a fact-finding mission with federal mines officers and security agencies.
Reports say two persons lost their lives, while three others were injured when the mining site collapsed last Friday.
Recall that reports in some quarters alleged that negligence on the part of the company, Greenfield Metals Ltd was responsible for the collapse., but Onyia stated that preliminary investigation suggests natural occurrence.
He said, “Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards.“From preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence.
Continuing,“Investigation is ongoing by all regulatory bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, Police, Department of State Services, and 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,” Onyia said.
He consoled with the bereaved families, just as he debunking reports that the site was parcelled out to illegal miners.
Onyia urged the public not to worsen the grief of families with false claims, stressing that the state does not encourage illegal mining and fully respects licenses issued by the Federal Government.
Speaking on the development, Prince Fabian Chukwu, one of the community leaders and Board of Trustees Chairman, Ihietutu Development Union, revealed that the company had empowered a lot of people in 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.”
Southeastposts reports that the company has since suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of investigations.
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