13 die, many trapped in Zamfara mining pit collapse

At least 13 bodies have been recovered, while many others are still trapped following the collapse of a mining site in Kadauri village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Amb. Bala Ahmad, Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency, ZSEMA, on Friday, confirmed the collapse of mining pits trapping several artisanal miners.

Sani Hassan, an eyewitness who narrowly escaped death, stated that he was among those fortunate to survive the incident.

According to him, he was digging for gold in the pit on Thursday when he suddenly stepped out to drink water.

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

Hassan explained that other miners rushed to the scene to rescue those trapped underground.

“I was inside the pit earlier, but I came out to look for water. Immediately I left, the pit collapsed and buried some of my colleagues. There were more than 30 persons inside. Eleven dead bodies were evacuated, while several others are still there,” he said.

Sanusi Auwal, a resident said to have been involved in the rescue efforts, told Reuters no fewer than 13 bodies had been retrieved from the rubble, including that of his cousin.

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

“We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued,” said Isa Sani, who is currently receiving treatment for injuries.

Residents said those who sustained injuries were being treated at the Maru General Hospital.

They added that they were battling alongside officers of the state to rescue survivors, who were still trapped in the collapsed pits.

Yazid Abubakar, state police spokesperson, could not be reached for comments.