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At least 13 people have been confirmed dead and two others remain missing following the collapse of a mining pit in Kadauri village, located in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The tragic incident occurred last week but was officially confirmed on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which stated that ongoing rescue efforts are being coordinated by federal mines officers on the ground.
According to a statement issued by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the collapse was triggered by heavy rainfall and unsafe mining practices carried out by illegal operators.
“Thirteen bodies have been recovered so far, tragically with no survivors. Two miners remain unaccounted for,” the statement read.
Preliminary findings by the ministry indicate that the area where the collapse occurred contains loose sandy soil with traces of gold, making it ideal for alluvial mining. Once word spread of the gold deposits, illegal miners reportedly moved in, employing crude tools and ignoring basic environmental and safety standards.
It is believed that at least 15 itinerant mine workers were working in the pit when it caved in.
Reacting to the development, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described the collapse as both tragic and preventable.
“I received with deep shock the report of the unfortunate incident in Zamfara. Our first responders are on-site, working alongside state officials. The area will be sealed off once rescue operations are concluded,” Alake said.
He added that the ministry has activated multiple departments to assist in both rescue operations and investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the disaster.
Government Moves to Tighten Enforcement Nationwide
This incident adds urgency to the Federal Government’s campaign against illegal mining. The Mining Marshals, launched over a year ago, have already arrested over 300 illegal miners across 10 states and the FCT, and have shut down 98 unlicensed mining sites.
However, Zamfara remains a difficult terrain due to its history of armed banditry and insecurity. Mining activities in the state were banned until December 2024, when improved security allowed limited exploration to resume.
To further strengthen enforcement, the ministry has begun installing satellite surveillance systems to enable real-time monitoring of mining activities across Nigeria.
“This technology will help us respond faster to emergencies and expose illegal operators in real time,” the ministry said.
Alake reiterated the government’s unwavering stance on illegal mining, saying stricter enforcement is imminent.
“We will not relent until we eliminate illegal mining from Nigeria. With satellite surveillance and enhanced enforcement, we aim to drastically reduce disasters like this and bring sponsors of illegal mining to justice.”
As of press time, rescue operations continue at the collapsed site in Kadauri, with federal and state emergency personnel still searching for the two missing miners.
The tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation, increased awareness, and safer practices in the country’s growing solid minerals sector.
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