Two illegal miners tragically lost their lives when the well they were excavating for mining purposes collapsed on them in Buya community, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River state on Wednesday.
The incident also left three others with varying degrees of injuries.
Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Effiom-Ekaha Out, expressed sorrow over the avoidable tragedy and urged youths to avoid engaging in perilous activities that jeopardize their lives.
Effiom-Ekaha Out assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain the legality of the mining operation and determine the exact cause of the youths’ deaths.
According to an anonymous source, the victims suffocated under the collapsed debris while engaging in illegal mining activities in the community, where the rare mineral “tourmaline” was discovered.
Emmanuel Ashanga, an eyewitness, recounted the harrowing experience, describing how the collapse occurred suddenly, resembling an earthquake. He explained that efforts to rescue the trapped individuals were hindered by the severity of the collapse, resulting in the loss of two lives.
The survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).