Ebonyi State: Two Killed As Mining Site Collapses In Ivo Community

Aug 18, 2025 - 19:06
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Ebonyi State: Two Killed As Mining Site Collapses In Ivo Community

Tragedy struck at Ajirija lead mining site in Ihietutu community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as two persons are feared and three others injured following collapse of a mining site.

The incident, which occurred at the weekend, is coming barely one year after a similar incident happened and claimed two lives and left several others injured.

The site, said to be owned by one Henry Ahanaotu, was was leased out to unlicenced petty miners allegedly operating without professional supervision.

The affected pit is allegedly being managed by an indigene of Ihietutu, Mrs Lovelyn Victor.

An indigene of the community, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the incident was one in a series of unreported tragedies at the site.

“Unfortunately, these incidents and deaths only end with the police, if at all.

“There has never been any punishment for the site owners or illegal miners, who put lives at risk,” the source said.

Reacting, Ahanaotu described the incident as unfortunate, but said he leased out to the operators as a means of empowering youths of the community, arguing that Victor was an established miner with over four excavators and other heavy equipment.

“Mine pit collapse is a regular occurrence anywhere mining is carried out. Even Royal Salt, touted as the biggest mining firm in Nigeria, experiences incidences of pit collapse with attendant deaths.

“The incident happened last weekend but we have yet to visit the scene to inspect and know why it occurred. I have also called the Federal Mines Officer to brief him.

“But as for carrying out operations based on safety principles, she does it well. She is also in partnership with other operators on the site. All we are doing is to help empower the people,” Ahanaotu said.

The spokesman for the state Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident.

Ukandu said a report from the Ivo Police Division indicated that five persons were involved in the accident, contrary to the six reported by community members.

He said: “Five persons were actually involved in the unfortunate incident. The first victim died on the spot, while another died in the hospital. The remaining three have been treated and discharged.