Breaking: Many Mining Workers Declared Dead in Top Northern State as Details Emerge

• At least 13 miners have been confirmed dead in Kadauri, Zamfara, after a mining pit collapse left many more trapped underground
• Survivors described narrow escapes, with over 100 miners reportedly involved and only 15 rescued alive during frantic recovery efforts
• The Zamfara Miners Association confirmed the tragedy as concerns mount over the dangers of artisanal mining in the state

At least 13 miners have been confirmed dead, with many more feared trapped, following the collapse of a gold mining site in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

Survivors recount narrow escapes

One of the survivors, Sani Hassan, said he had been working in the pit on Thursday but narrowly escaped death after stepping out briefly.

“Just a few minutes after I came out of the mining pit to drink water, it suddenly collapsed while many of my colleagues were still inside,” he said.

Hassan added that frantic rescue efforts began immediately as miners outside rushed to pull people from the rubble.

“There were more than 30 persons inside. Eleven dead bodies were evacuated, while several others are still there,” he said.

Residents confirm casualties

A local resident, Sanusi Auwal, who joined the rescue operation, said at least 13 bodies had been retrieved, including that of his cousin, Punch reported.

“Over 100 miners were involved during the collapse,” Auwal told Reuters.

Another survivor, Isa Sani, who is receiving treatment for his injuries, recalled:

“We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued.”

Miners association confirms incident

The Zamfara state Miners Association confirmed the tragic accident. Its official, Muhammadu Isa, said the group was monitoring the rescue and recovery operations, Vanguard reported.

Efforts to reach the state police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, for comments were unsuccessful as calls to his phone went unanswered on Friday, September 26.

The collapse adds to the rising concerns over the safety of artisanal mining in Zamfara, a state where mining is both a livelihood for many and a source of recurring tragedies.

Solid minerals sector soars with new reforms

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Tinubu's mining reforms drove a dramatic increase in sector revenue, jumping from ₦6 billion to ₦38 billion in just one year.

Over $800 million in foreign investments were poured into Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, with major lithium processing plants already in progress. Minister Dele Alake credited the success to tightened licensing, mandatory local processing, and aggressive action against illegal mining.

Source: Legit.ng