Cross River: 2 Dead, 3 Hospitalised Over Illegal Mining Activities In Obanliku Community
By Ndifreke BASSEY
Tragedy struck Buya community in Obanliku local government area of Cross River state as two were reportedly suffocated to death during an illegal mining activities while three are said to be hospitalised.
Sources close to the community told THE BEAGLE NEWS that the some illegal miners in the community discovered a rare mineral known as tourmaline at Shikpeshe, PHC along Buya Road and decided to engage some youths to excavate it.
The youths were said to be engaged for four months and were paid about N600, 000 to dig up and bring out the precious mineral.
But in the process, the well collapsed on the youths killing two and injured three others who are said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
An eye witness, Emmanuel Ashanga, who went for a rescue mission, said: "We were just relaxing under a shade taking palm wine and suddenly we hared a big sound like an earthquake.
"We rushed towards the scene and saw some women crying for help and shouting that some people have been trapped in the well. We asked what happened, and they told us that they just saw the well collapsed on the diggers and they are trapped.
"We called some other youths and we moved in and only recused three while two were already dead inside. The three survivors are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital."
A source in the village disclosed that illegal miners have flooded Obanliku in search of precious minerals and stones.
These illegal miners, mostly from the north and some Chinese companies, have besieged the local government and are collaborating with the some community leaders and influential personalities to Carry out massive illegal mining activities running into hundreds of millions of Naira.
These companies recruit the youths and pay them peanuts to mine and sometimes sale off the piece of land where there are mineral deposits.
A youth, who gave his name as Sunday Adie, said: "These illegal.minners have flooded Obanliku searching for minerals on our land. People are even selling their houses and lands once they know there are mineral deposits on it and collect big cash.
"In the community now, families are fighting over land because of mineral deposits. Youths are selling their heritage in exchange for cash and a lot of youths have died in the process of illegal mining.
"We plead with government to intervene to save the the community."
Meanwhile, Governor Bassey Otu has condoled with the families of victims of mining disaster at Obanliku.
In a statement on behalf of the State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Effiom-Ekaha Otu, described the incidence as unfortunate and a collosal loss to the state and the family.
While praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased, he admonished youths against unwarranted and in dangerous ventures capable of threatening their lives.
The Governor promised that a comprehensive investigation would be embarked upon to determine the legality of the mining activity as well as the real cause of the death of the youths.
