The Federal Government has confirmed the death of 13 miners after a mine pit collapsed in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The tragedy struck after heavy rainfall softened the sandy soil. At least 15 miners were trapped, with only two bodies still missing at press time.
Federal mine officers in Zamfara have joined state officials in leading the recovery effort.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, called the incident both avoidable and sad.
“I received with deep shock the report of the unfortunate incident in Zamfara which has unfortunately resulted in some casualties. Our first responders have been mobilised to the site and are working with officials of the state government on rescue operations, after which the site will be sealed off,” he said.
Illegal Mining and Safety Risks
Preliminary findings show the site, rich with traces of gold, was being exploited by illegal miners using crude tools. The soil was unstable and prone to collapse, yet people kept working there despite the danger.
Zamfara is no stranger to illegal mining. For years, the state has been plagued by banditry, environmental degradation, and outbreaks of lead poisoning linked to unsafe mining. Many locals, however, see mining as their only means of survival.
Dr. Alake reminded Nigerians that the Federal Government had recently launched the Mining Marshals to clamp down on such activities. Over 300 illegal miners have been arrested, and 98 sites sealed across the country.
“We will not relent until we rid this country of the nefarious activities of illegal miners. With satellite surveillance and other enforcement measures underway, we aim to drastically reduce mine collapses across the country and tighten the noose around sponsors of illegal mining,” Alake said.
Government’s Next Steps
The minister disclosed plans to expand operations with more personnel, logistics, and the use of satellite surveillance systems for real-time monitoring of mining activities nationwide.
However, unless Nigeria formalises and regulates artisanal mining, accidents like the Zamfara collapse may sadly remain with us.
Mining safety is a major issue across Africa, with hundreds dying each year in poorly regulated mines.
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