Three killed as mining site collapses in Benue

Three miners reportedly lost their lives after a site collapsed on them in Anyin in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Tuesday when the miners were digging and trying to excavate lead.

According to PUNCH, a source said the people had been there for over three months mining lead.

“It was when the miners were at work that the surface of the land collapsed.

“Three of the miners died instantly; others were seriously wounded and taken to a hospital in Anyin.

“One of them who was not injured reported the collapse of the mine,” the local said.

The Chairman of the Logo LGA, Terseer Agber, who confirmed the incident, said four people were trapped in the pit.

Agber, however, said he could not tell if the miners were operating in the area legally or not.

“I don’t know anything about their activities. They just came here with their papers and the chiefs gave them papers to start work.

“Very early in the morning today (Tuesday), I was informed that about four people were trapped in a mining pit. So, I directed that they should try and do something and later on, they came back and reported that they recovered three bodies and one person injured.

“The state government is aware of their activities in the area. Governor Samuel Ortom sent two commissioners, including that of Agriculture as well as Lands and Survey. The miners said they had no dealing with the state government, that they collected their licence from Abuja and it’s the prerogative of the Federal Government,” he said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Anene, said she had yet to get a report of the incident.