A Mining Pit

A tragic incident has struck Zamfara State as several artisanal miners were trapped following the collapse of mining pits in Kadauri community, Maru Local Government Area. The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZSEMA), Bala Ahmad, confirmed the development on Friday.

Mr. Ahmad told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau that the incident occurred on Thursday night after heavy rainfall. He noted that rescue operations were ongoing but could not immediately provide the exact number of casualties or those still trapped. “We are in a meeting with stakeholders and will provide further details as soon as possible,” he said.

Locals Describe the Incident

Local community leaders speaking to NAN via telephone said the mining pits collapsed after hours of torrential rain, burying many miners under rubble. They added that some injured victims were rushed to Maru General Hospital for treatment while emergency responders and volunteers battled to rescue others still trapped.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

According to the locals, joint efforts between the community, state authorities, and emergency services are underway to save as many people as possible. Heavy equipment and manpower are being mobilised to aid the rescue operation, though poor weather conditions and unstable soil remain significant challenges.

Background on Zamfara’s Mining Activities

Zamfara State has long been known for its rich deposits of gold and other minerals, which attract artisanal miners from within and outside the state. However, unregulated and unsafe mining practices have frequently led to deadly accidents and environmental damage.