A mining pit has collapsed in Enyim Agalegu community, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leaving three persons dead and four others injured.
Online Reporters gathered that the victims were engaged in mining activities at the site on Saturday when the pit suddenly caved in, trapping those working inside.
Injured Rushed For Treatment
Sources within the community disclosed that the injured victims were quickly rushed for medical attention following the incident.
The collapsed pit is reportedly linked to a company identified as First Patriots, where illegal mining activities were allegedly ongoing at the time of the disaster.
Community Leader Speaks
Confirming the development on Sunday, the National Chairman of the Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke Federated Union, Oboke Chukwuma-Collins, said he received a distress call around 4 p.m. on Saturday informing him that the pit had collapsed on miners operating at the site.
According to him, community members were immediately mobilised for rescue operations.
He explained that three lifeless bodies were recovered from the debris, while four others were rescued with injuries.
Chukwuma-Collins further revealed that the community had previously written to the company managing the site and to the state Ministry of Solid Minerals, requesting that the pit be handed over for controlled community mining after the company allegedly completed work at the main pit.
He said the request was declined, prompting the community leadership to withdraw from further agitation.
The community leader lamented that the latest incident has raised the death toll at the site to five persons in recent times.
Government Reacts
Reacting to the tragedy, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development in Ebonyi State, Chidi Onyia, described the incident as unfortunate and commiserated with the families of the deceased.
He attributed recurring accidents in mining communities to illegal mining activities driven by greed and the quest for quick financial gains.
Onyia clarified that the mining site belongs to First Patriots and remains active, stating that both the state and federal governments were not aware that the site had been abandoned.
He disclosed that although the ministry received letters from community leaders requesting partial release of the site for local mining, the government lacked the authority to grant such approval because the land falls under a private mining lease.
The commissioner added that government officials, including the lawmaker representing Ikwo North Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Ifeanyi Nwakpu, had previously visited the site to address concerns raised by residents.
According to Onyia, the company had resisted calls to allow artisans operate at the pit, citing safety concerns and describing the location as dangerous.
He also alleged that some youths frequently sneaked into the site against the company’s directives, warning that those sponsoring illegal mining often avoid the risks while young miners suffer the consequences.
“It is high time we prioritise lives above monetary value,” he stated.
Police Yet To Receive Official Report
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command said no official report had been lodged by the community or any individual concerning the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Investigations are expected to continue as authorities monitor developments surrounding the tragic collapse.