Ebonyi State map
A devastating collapse at the Ajirija lead mining site in Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, over the weekend resulted in the deaths of two miners and left three others with severe injuries.
The site, reportedly leased to Henry Ahanaotu and sublet to unlicensed operators, was under the management of local miner Mrs. Lovelyn Victor at the time of the incident.
According to a community member who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) anonymously, such tragedies are not uncommon at the site.
“This isn’t the first time. Earlier this year, another collapse killed two people and injured others, but no one was held accountable,” the source lamented, highlighting the lack of consequences for site owners or illegal miners.
“These incidents often just end with a police report, if that.”
The site’s leaseholder, Henry Ahanaotu, expressed sorrow over the collapse but defended his decision to sublet the site, claiming it was a way to empower local youths.
“Pit collapses happen in mining everywhere, even at major firms like Royal Salt,” Ahanaotu stated.
He described Victor as an experienced operator with significant equipment, adding, “She follows safety protocols and works with other operators to support the community.”
Ahanaotu noted he had informed the Federal Mines Officer but had not yet visited the site to investigate the cause.
The Ebonyi State Police Command, through spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident but clarified that five individuals were involved, not six as claimed by some locals.
“One person died instantly, and another passed away in the hospital. The three survivors have been treated and released,” Ukandu told NAN.
The tragedy has sparked outrage among community members, who are calling for action against unlicensed mining.
“These illegal operators prioritize profits over safety, endangering lives and our environment,” said one Ihietutu resident, who urged state and federal authorities to enforce stricter regulations.
“Collapsed pits and deaths have become far too common here, leaving families in constant grief.”
Chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners, Mrs. Sylvia Ogbuinya, expressed condolences to the affected families and criticized the operator’s lack of affiliation with the federation. “Our members undergo regular training on modern safety standards to protect lives,” Ogbuinya said.
“We’ve confirmed that Mrs. Victor is not part of our group, and we question whether she adheres to proper safety and environmental standards.” She called for a thorough police investigation into the incident.
The recurring tragedies at Ajirija have intensified demands for regulatory oversight to curb illegal mining and prevent further loss of life in Ebonyi’s mining communities. (NAN)
