Mining pit collapse: Ebonyi Govt begins investigation,refutes negligence claims
According to the Ebonyi State Government, an inquiry into the collapse of a mining hole in the state’s Ivo Local Government Area’s Ihietutu, Ishiagu, has begun.
During a fact-finding visit with federal mining officers and security agencies, Mr. Chidi Onyia, the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, revealed this at the location.
As you may remember, last Friday the mining site collapsed, resulting in three injuries and two fatalities.
According to Onyia, preliminary inquiry points to a natural occurrence, despite reports in certain places accusing Greenfield Metals Ltd. of recklessness.
“Mining has risks, just like many other sectors around the world.
“Our initial research indicates that this was a natural event rather than the consequence of carelessness.
“To maintain openness, all regulatory agencies are conducting investigations, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, and the Police.
“We will take appropriate action if we discover irresponsibility. However, we have to acknowledge it as a natural calamity,” Onyia stated.
He expressed his sympathies to the families of the deceased while refuting rumors that the site had been given to unauthorized miners.
The Commissioner stressed that the state does not support illicit mining and completely respects permits granted by the federal government, and he urged the public not to add to the suffering of families by making false allegations.
Many people in the neighborhood have been empowered by the enterprise, according to Prince Fabian Chukwu, a community leader and chairman of the Ihietutu Development Union’s board of trustees.
“They constructed the road leading to this location and never held back in providing the community with the benefits it was entitled to.”
“We support them in this regrettable situation because of this.”
Since then, the business has halted operations at the location while it awaits the conclusion of the investigations.
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