Two dead as ‘illegal’ mining well collapses in Cross River

Two suspected illegal miners have died in Cross River state after a well they dug for mining activities collapsed on them.

Three others persons were also injured in the incident that occurred on Wednesday at Buya community in Obanliku LGA of Cross River. 

Effiom-Ekaha Otu, the state commissioner for mineral resources, who confirmed the incident, described it as “unfortunate and avoidable”.

Otu warned the youths in the state against unwarranted dangerous ventures capable of threatening their lives.

The commissioner said an investigation would be carried out to ascertain the legality of the mining activities and the  cause of the death of the victims.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, said the death was as a result of suffocation under the collapsed well.

He said some illegal miners were in the community where a rare mineral known as “tourmaline” was discovered.

The source said the youths were engaged for four months and were paid about N600,000 to dig and bring out the mineral.

Emmanuel Ashanga, a witness, said the loud sound of the collapse drew the attention of residents to the incident.

Ashanga also confirmed that three people were rescued, while two people were already dead.

“We were just relaxing under a shade when suddenly we heard a big sound like an earthquake,” Ashanga said.

“We ran towards the scene and saw some women crying for help and shouting that some people have been trapped in the well.

“We asked what happened, and they told us that they just saw the well collapse on the diggers.

“We called some other youths and we moved in and only rescued three persons, while two were already dead inside.”