**Ebonyi Mining Pit Collapse: A Sobering Reminder of Safety Lapses** In the early hours of Saturday, tragedy struck in Enyim Agalegu community, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state. A mining pit under the lease of First Patriots Limited, formerly known as Royal Salt, caved in, claiming the lives of three miners and leaving four others injured. This devastating incident brings the death toll at the site to five in recent times, sparking widespread concern about the safety of mining operations in the state. **A Pattern of Neglect and Recklessness** The Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Opeke Federated Union, which represents the interests of local miners, had previously written to the company and the state Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, requesting that part of the pit be released to locals for controlled mining after the company completed its main site. However, their plea fell on deaf ears. This lack of engagement and neglect of safety protocols has led to a series of accidents at the site, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement and compliance with safety regulations. **A Complex Web of Responsibility** The incident has raised questions about the responsibility of various stakeholders, including the company, the state government, and local authorities. While the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyi, attributes the recurring accidents to illegal operations driven by the quest for quick money, other stakeholders point to the failure of the company to adhere to safety standards and the lack of effective enforcement by regulatory agencies. **A Call to Action** The tragedy in Enyim Agalegu is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in mining operations. As the state government and regulatory agencies grapple with the complexities of the situation, it is imperative that they take concrete steps to prevent further loss of lives. This includes strengthening enforcement mechanisms, conducting thorough investigations into the incident, and working with stakeholders to develop and implement effective safety protocols. Only through a collective effort can we prevent such tragedies and ensure that mining operations in Ebonyi state are conducted with the highest degree of safety and responsibility.