The Ebonyi State Government has begun an investigation into the collapse of a mining pit at Ihietutu, in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Mr. Chidi Onyia, said this on Friday while speaking with reporters.
He explained that the probe started after his office, federal mines officers, and security agencies carried out a fact-finding mission at the site on Wednesday.
Two people died and three others were injured when the pit collapsed last Friday.
Some reports blamed the company in charge, Greenfield Metals Ltd., for negligence. But Onyia said early findings suggested it was a natural incident.
“Mining is risky everywhere in the world. From what we have seen so far, this collapse looks like a natural occurrence and not negligence,” Onyia said.
He added that the investigation involved several agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He promised that the process would be transparent.
According to him, the probe would take about two weeks. He explained that the authorities did not want to rush to conclusions because the first accounts they received might not give the full truth.
He noted that sometimes accidents were caused by workers’ carelessness, especially during the rainy season, when the ground is weaker compared to the dry season.
“If we find that the miners were careless, we will sanction them. But if it was a natural disaster, then we must accept it as such,” he said.
Onyia also confirmed that the company had a valid license from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, contrary to claims that the site was being run by illegal miners.
The commissioner expressed sympathy for the affected families. He appealed to the public not to spread false information, stressing that the state discourages illegal mining and respects federal mining licenses.
He explained that families of victims often enter into quick settlements with companies before the government gets involved.
“In this case, the families had already started negotiating with the company even before we could reach them. One victim has already been buried, while the other is still in the mortuary,” Onyia said.
He revealed that the families had collected some money from the company, but described it as a private settlement and not proper compensation. He assured that the government would ensure fair compensation after the investigation.
He also confirmed that the injured persons were receiving treatment at the expense of the company, and that they had been given some money, though more support would follow.
A community leader, Mr. Fabian Chukwu, who is the Chairman of the Ihietutu Development Union, said the company had helped the community in many ways.
“They built the road to this site and always give the community its entitlements. That is why we are standing by them in this sad situation,” Chukwu said.
Meanwhile, the company has suspended operations at the mining site until the investigation is completed.
