Federal Government has launched a coordinated rescue effort following the collapse of a mining pit in Kadauri Community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, an incident that has already claimed multiple lives and left others trapped underground.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, confirmed the government’s response in a statement issued by his media aide, Segun Tomori, on Sunday. According to the statement, federal and state emergency teams have been deployed to the site, working to locate and retrieve the remaining trapped miners.
“This is a heart-wrenching incident that could have been avoided,” Dr. Alake said, lamenting the deadly consequences of illegal mining activities in the area.
“The collapse was triggered by heavy rainfall and compounded by unsafe mining practices that completely disregarded environmental and safety standards.”
The accident, which occurred late Thursday night, was reportedly the result of unstable terrain and unregulated operations by illegal miners.
At least 15 artisanal miners were believed to be inside the pit at the time of the collapse. Thirteen bodies have been recovered so far — all lifeless — while rescue teams continue the search for the remaining two.
Zamfara State officials earlier confirmed 10 fatalities, though the number may increase as rescue operations continue. Dr. Alake stated that the affected area, known for its loose soil and traces of gold, is particularly prone to such disasters when exploited improperly.
“Whenever gold is sighted, illegal miners flood the area, often using nothing more than crude tools and ignoring every safety guideline. It’s a recipe for tragedy,” he noted.
The minister also highlighted the broader security and regulatory challenges in Zamfara, pointing out the historical links between illegal mining and armed banditry in the region. He emphasized that the Tinubu administration had recently intensified military operations to dislodge illegal miners and restore order to mining communities.
“Zamfara presents a unique challenge,” Alake explained.
“Even though we lifted the ban on mining exploration in December 2024 following improved security, illegal operations continue to threaten lives and national resources.”
To counteract this, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has begun deploying satellite surveillance systems across the country. These high-tech solutions will provide real-time monitoring of mining activities, allowing for swift intervention when safety breaches or illegal operations are detected.
“Our resolve is unwavering,” Alake said. “We will not tolerate illegal mining. Anyone who refuses to comply with the law will face the consequences. With advanced surveillance and intensified enforcement, we are closing in on the perpetrators and enablers of these unsafe practices.”
The Federal Government plans to seal off the collapsed site once rescue operations are completed. A formal investigation will be led by federal mines officers in the state to determine the exact cause of the incident and recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies.
“This isn’t just about enforcement,” Alake concluded. “It’s about protecting lives and ensuring that Nigeria’s mineral wealth is developed sustainably, legally, and safely.”
