The Federal Government has taken charge of rescue operations after a mine pit collapsed in Kadauri Village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, leaving 13 miners dead and two still missing.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) deployed its officers in Zamfara to work with state officials and local responders in the search-and-rescue efforts.
Fifteen miners were trapped when the pit caved in following heavy rainfall. So far, 13 bodies have been recovered, with efforts ongoing to find the remaining two.
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, described the tragedy as “avoidable and unfortunate,” blaming the collapse on unsafe mining activities by illegal operators.
“I received with deep shock the report of the incident in Zamfara, which has sadly claimed lives. Our first responders are on site, and once rescue operations are concluded, the mine will be sealed off,” he said.
The ministry also revealed preliminary findings show that the Kadauri site, known for loose sandy soil and traces of gold, was being exploited through unregulated mining.
