The Ebonyi State Government has launched a multi-agency investigation into the collapse of a mining pit in Ivo Local Government Area, which left two people dead and three others injured.

The Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chidi Onyia, confirmed the move on Friday during a fact-finding mission to Ihietutu village, Ishiagu community, alongside federal mining officers and security agencies.

Preliminary findings, Onyia explained, indicated the incident may have been caused by natural factors rather than negligence attributed to the pit operator, Greenfield Metals Ltd.

He said, “Mining, like many industries worldwide, comes with hazards. From our preliminary findings, this was a natural occurrence and not a result of negligence. Investigation is ongoing by all regulatory bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, police, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to ensure transparency.”

The commissioner extended condolences to bereaved families and dismissed claims that the site was operated by illegal miners. He added, “If we find recklessness, we will act accordingly. But if it is a natural disaster, we must accept it as such.”

Onyia also stressed that Ebonyi respects licenses issued by the federal government and urged the public not to aggravate the community’s grief with unfounded allegations.

Backing the company, a local leader and Chairman of the Ihetutu Development Union Board of Trustees, Prince Fabian Chukwu, said, “They built the road to this site and never delayed in giving the community its due entitlements. That is why we stand by them in this unfortunate incident.”

Greenfield Metals has suspended operations at the site pending the outcome of the investigations.