Thirteen miners have been confirmed dead after a mine pit collapsed in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, the Federal Government said on Sunday.
The incident, triggered by heavy rainfall, trapped at least 15 itinerant miners. Rescue workers have so far recovered 13 bodies, while efforts continue to retrieve the remaining two.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development said federal mine officers in Zamfara have been deployed to lead the operation in collaboration with state officials.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the tragedy as both avoidable and unfortunate, adding that the site would be sealed once recovery efforts are completed.
“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 mobilized to the site and are working with officials of the state government on rescue operations, after which the site will be sealed off,” Alake said in a statement issued by his media aide, Segun Tomori.
Preliminary findings indicate the site was being exploited by illegal miners who rushed in with rudimentary tools after traces of gold were discovered, ignoring the safety risks posed by the loose sandy soil.
Alake recalled that the Federal Government had launched Mining Marshals to curb illegal mining, leading to over 300 arrests and the closure of 98 illegal sites across 10 states and the FCT. He said plans are underway to expand the marshals’ operations with more personnel and logistics support.
The minister also disclosed that satellite surveillance systems are being installed to provide real-time monitoring of mining activities nationwide.
Reaffirming government’s zero-tolerance stance, Alake warned: “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.”
