The Federal Government has mobilised rescue operations to Kadauri community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where a mining pit collapse killed several artisanal miners.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori. He said federal mines officers in the state are leading the operations in collaboration with local officials and will present a comprehensive report on the tragedy.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday night after heavy rainfall, trapped at least 15 miners. The Zamfara Government confirmed 10 deaths, while Alake noted that 13 bodies had so far been recovered, with no survivors. He added that efforts were ongoing to recover the remaining two miners still buried under rubble.
Alake described the loss of lives as “avoidable and unfortunate,” blaming the tragedy on illegal mining activities. He explained that once gold traces were discovered in the loose sandy terrain, illegal miners mobilised itinerant workers with rudimentary tools, disregarding safety and environmental risks.
The minister said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is addressing illegal mining in Zamfara through military clearance operations coordinated by the National Security Adviser. He noted that Zamfara presents a peculiar challenge due to its history of banditry, but that security in the state has improved significantly since late 2024, allowing the lifting of a ban on exploration activities.
To strengthen oversight, Alake revealed that the ministry has commenced the installation of satellite surveillance systems to ensure real-time monitoring of mining sites across the country. He said the move would help prevent future collapses and deter illegal mining.
Reaffirming government’s zero tolerance stance, Alake warned illegal miners and their sponsors to desist or face the full weight of the law. “We will not relent until we rid this country of the nefarious activities of illegal miners,” he said.
