Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu
By PATRICK ABANG Calabar –
Cross River State Government has sympathized with the families of 2 youths who reportedly suffocated to death in a mining site in search of a mineral known as Tourmaline at Shikpeshe, PHC, along Buya road in Obanliku LGA of the state.
In a statement on behalf of the state Governor, Bassey Otu, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Effiom-Ekaha Otu described the incidence as unfortunate and a great loss to the state and the family.
While praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased, he admonished youths against unwarranted and dangerous ventures capable of threatening their lives.
The Governor promised that a comprehensive investigation would be embarked upon to determine the legality of the mining activity as well as the real cause of the death of the youths.
Report from the locals alleged that a certain rare mineral known as Tourmaline was discovered in the areas by some unknown persons and engaged the youths of the community to exploit by spending about 4 months digging a well up to an unverified but precarious depth.
Five of those in the well got suffocated and 2 died while 3 are said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
