The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, confirmed that Thirteen people have been confirmed dead, while two others remain missing, following the collapse of a mining pit in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, stating that federal mines officers had been deployed to coordinate ongoing rescue operations.
The ministry says the tragedy was triggered by heavy rainfall and aggravated by unlawful mining practices carried out by illegal operators in the area. At least 15 itinerant mine workers were trapped when the pit caved in, with 13 lifeless bodies so far recovered.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, described the accident as both unfortunate and avoidable. He noted that the ministry had mobilised its departments to support rescue efforts and to unearth the circumstances that led to the collapse.