Three Dead, Four Injured in Ebonyi Mining Pit Collapse

On Saturday, a mining pit collapse in Enyim Agalegu, Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to four others. The incident was reported around 4 PM, with Chukwuma Obok, the chairman of First Patriot Limited, receiving a distress call.

Rescue efforts led to the recovery of three lifeless bodies and the evacuation of four injured persons. This incident raises the death toll at the site to five in recent times.

Edukwu Opek, a member of the Federal Union, disclosed that previous requests to the Ministry of Solid Minerals for local control of the mine were declined. The site, which belongs to First Patriot Limited, has been the subject of illegal mining activities, prompting concerns about safety compliance.

Ifeanyi Nwakpu confirmed the deceased were deposited at a mortuary, while the injured received treatment at a hospital. The chief security officer of First Patriot Limited, Stephen Ez, noted that efforts to stop illegal mining operations have faced resistance from local youth.