Scores Feared Dead as Mining Pit Collapses in Northwest Nigeria

 

A mining pit collapse in Zamfara State has left scores of people feared dead, sparking fresh concerns over the dangers of unregulated mining in the region.

The incident occurred on Friday in the Maradun Local Government Area, where dozens of artisanal miners were reportedly inside the pit when it caved in. Eyewitnesses said rescuers rushed to the site, but many victims remained trapped beneath the rubble.

Authorities confirmed the collapse but could not immediately provide an exact casualty figure. Local residents, however, said the number of fatalities could rise significantly as rescue efforts continue.

Illegal mining has long been a major issue in Zamfara, a state rich in gold and other minerals but plagued by poor regulation, banditry, and unsafe mining practices. Experts warn that the lack of safety measures and oversight makes such disasters all but inevitable.

Governor Dauda Lawal expressed shock at the tragedy and directed emergency agencies to intensify rescue operations. He also reiterated the state’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, which he described as both an economic loss and a grave risk to human life.

The collapse adds to a growing list of mining-related tragedies across Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for reforms and stronger enforcement of safety standards in the country’s extractive sector.