At least 22 miners are believed to be dead after an illegal mining pit in Taraba State collapsed. The gold mining site is in the Buffa zone within a national game reserve in between Taraba and Adamawa States.
Adamu Jamtare, a local miner, disclosed that, many of the deceased were from Jamtare town in Gashaka LGA.
Engineer Suleiman Toungo, the chairman of Toungo LGA, confirmed, “Five miners have been found dead.” He mentioned he could not ascertain for sure if there were more victims.
“This incident occurred nearly a month ago,” he explained. Miners from various regions, including Zamfara and Adamawa, were involved. Despite ranger patrols, “Illegal mining activities continue, often at night.”
He noted, “Five bodies have been recovered so far.”
The National Game Reserve is rich in minerals. There have been numerous fatalities from unregulated mining.
A Tila village resident remarked, “Approximately 70 miners lost their lives in similar incidents last year.” These events mostly go unreported.
SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the Adamawa Police spokesperson, confirmed two fatalities from recent pit collapses. He reported, “In one incident, four miners perished.”
In another case, he said, “Six miners were involved; two are dead, and four are injured.” SP Nguroje added, “The police are working with park authorities to catch illegal miners.”
Many of these mining sites are reportedly illegal, unregulated by the government, and have no safety standards. But how many Nigerians need to die before a responsive government implements strict mining safety protocols? And even ensure adequate risk insurance against the hazardous trade?
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