By our reporter
At least ten people have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a mining pit in Kadauri village, located in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The incident occurred late Tuesday evening, prompting immediate response efforts from both local residents and emergency agencies.
Eyewitnesses say the mining pit collapsed while several miners were working underground. As news of the incident spread, villagers rushed to the site, using basic tools in a desperate attempt to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.
Rescue operations were later joined by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency. As of Wednesday morning, ten bodies had been recovered, but fears remain that more victims may still be trapped.
A local leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the collapse was sudden and gave workers little chance to escape. He added that many of the miners were young men from nearby communities, seeking a living in the increasingly dangerous informal mining sector.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over the safety of mining operations in Zamfara State. Although the region is rich in mineral resources such as gold, much of the mining activity is unregulated and carried out without safety oversight. This has led to repeated incidents of pit collapses and fatalities in recent years.
The state government issued a brief statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and promising a full investigation into the cause of the collapse. Officials also indicated that steps would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Zamfara has long struggled with the twin crises of illegal mining and insecurity. Efforts to regulate the sector have often been undermined by poor enforcement and the involvement of armed groups who profit from the mineral trade.
As search and rescue efforts continue, there is growing pressure on authorities to implement stricter safety standards and provide alternative livelihoods for those who depend on mining for survival.
The community of Kadauri remains in mourning, hoping that those still missing might yet be found alive.
