The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities (FNMHC), Ebonyi Chapter, on Monday visited the Ajirija mining site in Ihietutu community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, following the Aug. 15 mining pit collapse which claimed two lives and injured three others.
The incident reportedly involved individuals who entered the pit without authorisation to pick lead residues.
The delegation was led by Dr. Francis Orji, FNMHC State Coordinator and former Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, alongside Dr. Kelechi Okezie, South-East Zonal Coordinator of the federation, and Ms. Sylvia Ogbuinya, State Chairperson of Women in Mining, Nigeria.
Orji said the visit was to carry out an on-the-spot assessment and to commiserate with the community and bereaved families.
“Our observation shows that the pit collapse was not due to professional negligence as earlier reported in some sections of the media. The cause of deaths is still under investigation, but we may not rule out natural factors such as heavy rainfall,” he said.
He aligned with the position of Mr. Chidi Onyia, State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, who after visiting the site with Federal Mines officials, confirmed that Greenfield Metals Ltd. was licensed and operating within safety standards.
The federation reiterated its zero tolerance for illegal and unlicensed mining, warning that such practices endanger lives, degrade the environment, and impoverish host communities.
Orji appealed to the state government and relevant agencies to expedite investigations to allow the timely reopening of the sealed site.
“Sealing the site for a prolonged period will jeopardise the operators and the livelihoods of employees who depend on the company for survival. Once precautionary measures are assured, the site should be reopened,” he said, warning that delays could fuel restiveness in the community.
During the visit, the delegation met with leaders of the Ihietutu Development Union (IDU), led by Chief Emeka Ogbonna, who commended the solidarity visit and highlighted the contributions of mining firms to local infrastructure.
“Most of the roads in our community were undertaken through our partnership with mining companies. The first asphalted road from Ihietutu junction to Ugwu Idu was sponsored by Greenfield Metals Ltd. The firm also supported health facilities, electricity supply, and over 30 university scholarships,” Ogbonna said.
Other community leaders, including Mr. Fabian Chukwu and Mr. Remigius Okoro, described the accident as an unfortunate occupational hazard, while reaffirming the community’s cordial relationship with the operators.
Dr. Okezie stressed the need for host communities to directly benefit from resources in their domain.
“In many cases, instead of enjoying the resources, host communities are left poorer. Our advocacy is that mining must translate into sustainable development and environmental protection,” he said.
The federation assured the community of continued collaboration to safeguard the welfare of mining host communities across Nigeria.
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