ITI, Rivercess County – Rivercess County Attorney Martin M Tumoe has sounded a strong alarm over a disturbing increase in mysterious deaths in the ITI area of Yarnee District, linking most of the fatalities to unsafe water-based gold mining and suspected criminal activity.
Speaking on the situation, Tumoe disclosed that over the past three months, at least seven major cases of deaths and suspected homicides have been reported in the ITI region alone.
He said many of the deaths are connected to the ongoing rush for gold, which has pushed residents into dangerous river and underwater mining without basic safety measures.
According to the County Attorney, many residents enter the water without life jackets and without the ability to swim, yet attempt risky underwater mining jobs commonly known as “jobber” or diver support work. “When you slip and enter the water, there is no one there to protect you,” Tumoe warned, stressing that most of the deaths are preventable if proper safety measures are taken.
Tumoe also clarified that not all deaths in the water are accidents. He revealed that some cases are suspected criminal homicides, where victims may be killed and later dumped in rivers to make it appear as if they drowned. “If someone is tied to a tree and their body falls into the water, that is not an accident. That is murder,” he said.
The County Attorney said security forces cannot be everywhere at the same time, but the government is increasing public awareness through radio stations and community outreach.
He confirmed that some arrests have already been made and assured the public that authorities are working with other partners to ensure effective prosecution of those responsible.
Tumoe is calling on residents of ITI and surrounding communities to prioritize their lives over money and immediately stop entering rivers without safety equipment, warning that the continued loss of life is becoming a major crisis in Rivercess County.
