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, operated by Greenfield Metals Ltd.
The visit followed the Aug. 15 mining pit incident which claimed two lives and injured three others who allegedly entered the pit without authorisation.
The delegation was led by Dr. Francis Orji, State Coordinator of FNMHC and former Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development in Ebonyi. He was joined by Dr. Kelechi Okezie, Zonal Coordinator, South-East FNMHC, and Ms. Sylvia Ogbuinya, State Chairperson of Women in Mining, Nigeria.
Orji said the visit was aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment and commiserating 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 being investigated, but we may not rule out natural factors such as heavy rainfall,” Orji said.
He aligned the federation with the position of the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Chidi Onyia, who, after visiting the site with federal officials, had said the incident was likely a natural occurrence. Onyia had also confirmed that the miners were licensed and operating in line with safety standards.
The federation reiterated its zero tolerance for illegal and unlicensed mining, stressing that such practices endangered lives, degraded the environment, and impoverished host communities.
Orji urged the 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. Even for a civil servant, prolonged months without salary is unthinkable. We plead that once precautionary measures are assured, the site should be unsealed,” he said.
He warned that extended closure could fuel restiveness in the community, while extending condolences to bereaved families.
During the visit, the delegation met with the Ihietutu Development Union (IDU) led by its Chairman, Chief Emeka Ogbonna, who commended the solidarity gesture.
Ogbonna highlighted contributions of mining companies to local development, including road construction, a health centre, electricity supply, and over 30 university scholarships.
“Most of the roads in our community were undertaken through our partnership with the mining companies. The first asphalted road from Ihietutu junction to Ugwu Idu was sponsored by Greenfield Metals Ltd,” he said, describing the incident as an unfortunate occupational hazard.
Other leaders including Mr. Fabian Chukwu and Mr. Remigius Okoro also commended the visit, assuring that Ihietutu remained peaceful despite the tragedy.
Dr. Okezie stressed the need for host communities to benefit from resources within their domains.
“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 continued partnership to safeguard the rights and welfare of host communities across the country.
(NAN)