**Tragedy Strikes Ebonyi: Three Lives Lost in Mining Pit Collapse** In a devastating incident, three lives were lost when a mining pit collapsed at Enyim Agalegu Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at a mining site operated by First Patriots Limited, raises important questions about the safety of mining activities in the state. The tragedy was reportedly triggered by a distress call received by the National Chairman of Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke Federated Union, Oboke Chukwuma Collins. Upon arrival at the scene, Collins mobilized community members to assist in the rescue efforts, which resulted in the recovery of three lifeless bodies and the rescue of four injured individuals. This is not the first incident of its kind in the area. In fact, the community has been advocating for the release of the mining site to locals for controlled mining, but to no avail. The company, First Patriots Limited, has allegedly refused to comply with the community's requests, despite receiving letters from community leaders and the state Ministry of Solid Minerals. The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Chidi Onyia, has attributed the recurring accidents in mining communities to illegal mining activities driven by greed and the quest for quick money. He acknowledged that the ministry had received letters from community leaders requesting that the company release part of the site to locals for mining, but emphasized that the ministry lacks the authority to grant such approval, as the land is under a private mining lease. This incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the mining sector. The state government must take a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of miners and communities affected by mining activities. The families of the deceased and the injured deserve justice and compensation for their losses. As Ebonyi State continues to grapple with the challenges of mining, it is essential that the government and stakeholders work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The safety of lives and the environment must be prioritized, and any attempts to compromise these values must be discouraged.