The federal government has confirmed the death of 13 miners following the collapse of a mining pit in Jabaka village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, trapped a total of 15 miners. As of now, two individuals are still believed to be trapped underground, with rescue operations continuing at the site.
In response, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the immediate deployment of federal mines officers to lead rescue efforts in coordination with Zamfara State authorities. The site has been described as both avoidable and tragic, raising further concerns about safety practices in illegal and unregulated mining operations across the country.
Alaake said the site will be sealed off once the recovery mission is complete, as part of broader efforts to enforce mining regulations and prevent similar incidents. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensuring stricter oversight in the solid minerals sector to safeguard lives and promote responsible mining.
