At least two people died while three others injured after a collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu village, Ishiagu community, in the Ivo Local Government of Ebonyi State penultimate Friday.
Following the sad development, the state has commenced investigation into the disaster, just as it also commiserated with families of the victim collapse of a mining pit in Ihietutu village,
The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, made this disclosure at the site during a fact finding mission with federal mining officers and security agencies, on Friday, 22 August, 2025.
Speaking at the site of the disaster, the commissioner said preliminary investigation suggested it was a case of natural occurrence and people should not blamed it on the negligence of the pit operator Greenfield Metals Ltd.
“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.”
The commissioner, who commiserated with the bereaved families, adding the site was not leased out to illegal miners as being alleged, 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,” Onyia said.
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