The Federal Government has launched immediate rescue operations following the collapse of a mine pit in Jabaka Village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in a statement issued in Abuja, expressed deep shock over the incident, describing the loss of lives as both avoidable and regrettable.
According to the statement, officials from relevant departments of the Ministry have been mobilized to support ongoing rescue efforts and investigate the cause of the collapse.
“Upon receiving reports of the incident, the Ministry swiftly deployed Federal Mines Officers in the state to lead and coordinate emergency efforts,” Dr. Alake stated.
“The collapse, reportedly triggered by heavy rainfall and exacerbated by illegal mining activities, trapped at least 15 itinerant mine workers. So far, 13 bodies have been recovered, all confirmed dead. Efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining two”
“I received with deep shock the report of the unfortunate incident in Zamfara, which has sadly resulted in multiple casualties,” the Minister said.
“Our first responders are on site, working alongside state officials to conduct rescue operations. The site will be sealed immediately after the ongoing recovery efforts.”
“Preliminary findings indicate that the affected area is composed of loose sand with traces of gold, making it highly unstable—particularly during alluvial mining”
“Once gold traces were discovered, illegal miners mobilized workers who used rudimentary tools, ignoring environmental and safety hazards inherent to the terrain,” Dr. Alake explained.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, the Minister issued a stern warning: “We will not relent until we rid this country of the nefarious activities of illegal miners. Despite our vast landmass, we remain undaunted.
“Through satellite surveillance and expanded enforcement, we aim to drastically reduce mine collapses and dismantle the networks behind illegal mining operations,” he said.
