At least 100 people are feared dead following the collapse of a gold mining pit in Zamfara State, according to survivors and residents, yesterday.
The pit at the Kadauri mining site, in the Maru local government area reportedly caved-in on Thursday while scores of artisanal miners were working underground, witnesses told Reuters.
It was gathered that rescue operations continued into yesterday.
According to a local resident involved in rescue efforts, Sanusi Auwal, at least 13 bodies had been retrieved from the rubble, including that of his cousin. “Over 100 miners were involved during the collapse”, Auwal told Reuters by phone.
“We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued”, said another resident, Isa Sani, who is currently receiving treatment for injuries.
Muhammadu Isa, of the Zamfara State miners association, confirmed the incident, adding that some rescuers also suffocated while trying to dig out victims.
Zamfara Police Command spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar did not immediately respond to calls and text messages .
Illegal mining is common in Zamfara, where armed gangs often control gold fields, fuelling violence and deadly accidents.
