The Federal Government has confirmed the death of 13 miners following a mine pit collapse in Jabaka village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The incident, which occurred after heavy rainfall, trapped at least 15 itinerant miners, with only two bodies yet to be recovered as of press time.
In a statement by his Media Aide, Segun Tomori, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the tragedy as avoidable and unfortunate, stressing that the site will be sealed off once recovery efforts are concluded.
“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,” he said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the collapsed site, known for loose sandy soil and traces of gold, was being exploited by illegal miners using rudimentary tools, despite the environmental and safety risks.
Alake recalled that the Federal Government had launched the Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining, resulting in over 300 arrests and the sealing of 98 illegal sites nationwide. He disclosed that plans are underway to expand their operations with more personnel and logistics support.
The minister further revealed that the ministry has commenced the installation of satellite surveillance systems to provide real-time monitoring of mining activities across the country.
While awaiting a full investigation into the Zamfara collapse, Alake reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining.
“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 warned.
