Two people have been reported dead by suffocation at a tourmaline mining site in Obanliku LGA.
Meanwhile, three are said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
The incident took place at Shikpeshe, mining site PHC ,along Buya road in the northern Senatorial District of Cross River south south Nigeria.
Truth Live News gathered that some unknown persons discovered the tourmaline in the area and engaged the youths of the community for exploit.
Also, a Director, in the state Ministry of Information Mr David Akate, reported that the locals alleged that they spend nearly four months digging a well up to an unverified but precarious dept.
Nevertheless, the State Government has sympathized with the families of two youths who reportedly suffocated to death in the mining site.
In a statement on behalf of the State Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Effiom-Ekaha Otu described the incidence as unfortunate.
He said the death of the two youths is a collosal loss to the state and their families.
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 to launch a comprehensive investigation to determine the legality of the mining activity and the real cause of the death of the youths.