The Ebonyi State Government has said it has commenced investigation into the collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu village, Ishiagu community, in the Ivo Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, stated this at the site during a fact finding mission with federal mining officers and security agencies, on Friday.
Two persons lost their lives, while three other sustained varying degree of injuries when a section of the mining pit caved in, penultimate Friday.
The incident had been blamed on negligence on the part of pit operator, Greenfield Metals Ltd. But according to the commissioner, preliminary investigation suggested it was a case of natural occurrence.
He said, “Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards. From our preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence.
“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.”
He therefore commiserated with the bereaved families, adding the site was not leased out to illegal miners as being alleged.
The commissioner urged the public not to worsen the grief of families with false claims and reiterated the state did not encourage illegal mining.
“Here, we fully respect licenses issued by the Federal Government,” he said.
A community leader, who doubles as the Ihetutu Development Union Board of Trustees Chairman, Prince Fabian Chukwu,said 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,” he added.
The company had since suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of investigations.
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