Zamfara Gold Mine Collapse in Nigeria Over 100 Miners Feared Dead

At least 100 people are feared dead following the collapse of a gold mining pit in Zamfara State, Nigeria, in one of the deadliest mining accidents in recent years. The incident occurred on Thursday at the Kadauri mining site in the Maru local government area, where dozens of artisanal miners were working underground. Rescue operations continued into Friday as emergency teams struggled to recover victims trapped under debris.

Local resident and rescuer Sanusi Auwal confirmed that at least 13 bodies have been recovered so far, including that of his cousin. “Over 100 miners were involved during the collapse,” Auwal said, emphasizing the scale of the disaster. Another survivor, Isa Sani, recounted his ordeal, saying, “We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were saved.” Sani is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the collapse.

Muhammadu Isa, head of the Zamfara State Miners Association, confirmed the tragedy and stated that some rescuers also suffered suffocation while trying to dig out victims. He warned that the ongoing lack of safety measures in artisanal mines puts both miners and rescuers at severe risk.

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Zamfara police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Illegal mining is common in the state, where armed gangs often control gold fields. This has historically led to violent conflicts and accidents, making mining extremely hazardous for local workers.

The collapse has caused widespread concern over the safety of artisanal mining operations in Nigeria. Authorities and local organizations are calling for stricter safety regulations and better oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Families of the victims are awaiting updates from rescue teams, and the situation remains critical as efforts to recover trapped miners continue.

This incident highlights the urgent need for government intervention and enhanced safety protocols in Zamfara’s gold mining industry, particularly in areas where illegal mining is prevalent and unregulated. The tragedy also underscores the human cost of artisanal mining in conflict-prone regions, emphasizing the risks miners face daily.