By: Our Reporter, Calabar
The State government has sympathized with the families of 2 youths who reportedly suffocated to death in a mining site in search of a mineral known as Tourmaline at Shikpeshe, PHC ,along Buya road in Obanliku local government area of the state.
In a statement on behalf of the State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Effiom-Ekaha Otu described the incidence as unfortunate and a collosal loss to the state and the family. While praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased, he admonished youths against unwarranted and dangerous ventures capable of threatening their lives.
The Governor promised that a comprehensive investigation would be embarked upon to determine the legality of the mining activity as well as the real cause of the death of the youths.
Report from the locals has it it was alleged that a certain rae mineral known as Tourmaline was discovered in the areas by some unknown persons and engaged the youths of the community to exploit by spending about 4 months digging a well up to an unverified but precarious dept.
Five of those in the well got suffocated and 2 died while 3 are said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
