The federal government has mobilised rescue efforts to Kadauri community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where a mining pit collapse killed several artisanal miners last Thursday.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that first responders and state officials had already begun operations at the site.
The Zamfara State government confirmed 10 deaths, while federal officials said at least 15 miners were trapped, with 13 bodies recovered and two more still missing.
Alake blamed the collapse on heavy rainfall and the unlawful activities of illegal miners, who often rush to gold-rich sites with rudimentary tools, ignoring safety and environmental risks.
He described the incident as both “avoidable and unfortunate,” adding that the area’s loose sand and alluvial deposits made it particularly prone to disaster.
The site would be sealed off after recovery efforts and federal mines officers would investigate the incident.
