By Ewa-Okpara Nkechinyere
The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities (FNMHC), Ebonyi State Chapter, on Monday visited the Ajirija mining site in Ihietutu, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, to assess the aftermath of a pit collapse that claimed two lives and left three injured.
The incident, which occurred on August 15 at the site operated by Greenfield Metals Ltd, involved individuals who allegedly entered the pit without authorisation to pick lead.
Leading the delegation, Dr. Francis Orji, State Coordinator of FNMHC and former Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, explained that the visit was both an on-the-spot assessment and a show of solidarity with the host community and bereaved families.
“Our observation indicates that the pit collapse was not a result of professional negligence as earlier speculated in some reports. While investigations are ongoing, natural causes such as heavy rainfall cannot be ruled out,” Orji said.
He noted that the federation’s findings aligned with earlier remarks by Mr. Chidi Onyia, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, who, after touring the site with Federal Mines officials, confirmed that the operators were licensed and compliant with safety standards.
The federation restated its zero tolerance for illegal and unregulated mining, stressing that such practices posed serious risks to lives, the environment, and host communities. Orji urged authorities to fast-track their probe and allow the company to resume operations once safety assurances were in place.
“Sealing the site for too long will hurt both the operators and the workers who rely on their salaries. Just as a civil servant cannot survive months without pay, so it is with these employees. We appeal that once precautions are assured, the site should be reopened to prevent unrest in the community,” he added.
During the visit, the team held discussions with the Ihietutu Development Union (IDU), led by its Chairman, Chief Emeka Ogbonna, who commended the delegation for their concern.
Ogbonna highlighted the mining companies’ contributions to local development, including road construction, electrification, scholarships, and a community health centre. “Our relationship with the operators has been cordial, and we regard the incident as an unfortunate occupational hazard,” he said.
Other community stakeholders, including Mr. Fabian Chukwu and Mr. Remigius Okoro, lauded the federation’s intervention, assuring that Ihietutu remained peaceful despite the tragedy.
Also speaking, Dr. Kelechi Okezie, South-East Zonal Coordinator of FNMHC, stressed that the federation was not opposed to mining but was committed to ensuring that host communities benefited from their resources.
“In many cases, host communities are left poorer despite their resources. Our advocacy is that mining must translate into sustainable development and environmental protection,” Okezie said.
The federation further assured the Ihietutu community of sustained partnership to safeguard the rights and welfare of mining host communities across Nigeria.