The Ebonyi State Government has launched a full-scale investigation into the recent mining pit collapse in Ihietutu village, Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area, which claimed two lives and left three others injured.
Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Dr. Chidi Onyia, disclosed this on Friday during a fact-finding mission to the site alongside federal mining officers and security agencies.
The incident, which occurred penultimate Friday, has stirred controversy, with locals blaming the tragedy on alleged negligence by the pit operator, Greenfield Metals Ltd. However, Onyia explained that preliminary findings suggest the collapse was a natural occurrence rather than a case of recklessness.
“Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards. From our preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence,” Onyia said.
He added that investigations were ongoing with the involvement of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure transparency.
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The commissioner also commiserated with the bereaved families, stressing that the site had not been leased to illegal miners as being speculated.
“If we find recklessness, we will act accordingly. But if it is a natural disaster, we must accept it as such. Here, we fully respect licenses issued by the Federal Government,” he stated.
A community leader and Chairman of the Ihietutu Development Union Board of Trustees, Prince Fabian Chukwu, defended Greenfield Metals Ltd, praising the company’s contributions to local development.
“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,” Chukwu said.
The company has since suspended operations at the site pending the conclusion of official investigations.
