The Federal Government has sent Mines Officers to Yabaka Village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State after a mine pit collapsed. The officers are leading rescue operations.
The collapse, caused by heavy rainfall and worsened by illegal mining, trapped at least 15 mine workers. So far, 13 bodies have been recovered, but sadly no one survived. Efforts are still ongoing to recover the remaining two workers.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the incident as both avoidable and unfortunate.
In a statement through his media aide, Segun Tomori, Alake said that relevant departments of the ministry had been mobilized to support rescue operations and investigate the cause of the accident.
“I received with deep shock the report of the unfortunate incident in Zamfara which has resulted in casualties. Our first responders are on site, working with the state government. After the rescue operations, the site will be sealed off,” the minister said.
Preliminary findings showed that the area is made up of loose sand with traces of gold, making it suitable for alluvial mining. Once gold was discovered, illegal miners quickly brought in workers using crude tools, ignoring the dangers.
To address illegal mining, the Minister had launched mining marshals over a year ago. Their operations led to the arrest of more than 300 illegal miners across 10 states and the FCT, and the closure of 98 illegal mining sites. Plans are ongoing to expand their work with more personnel and logistics.
Zamfara, however, poses a unique challenge because of its history of banditry. The Tinubu administration has been tackling the problem with military operations coordinated by the National Security Adviser.
As security improved, the Federal Government lifted the ban on exploration mining in Zamfara in December 2024. Since then, security operations have been strengthened in the state and across the North-West to allow mining to resume fully.
To improve monitoring of mining sites, the ministry has started installing satellite surveillance systems. This will help track activities in real time, respond quickly to emergencies, and deter illegal mining.
While investigations into the Zamfara pit collapse continue, Alake reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy for illegal mining. He warned that those involved would face the full weight of the law.
“We will not relent until illegal mining is eradicated. Despite the vast size of the country, we remain determined. With satellite surveillance and other measures, we aim to reduce mine collapses and clamp down on those behind illegal mining,” the minister said.
