At least 13 bodies have been recovered following the collapse of a mining pit in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while many others remain trapped underground.
The tragedy occurred on Thursday, leaving dozens of artisanal miners buried beneath rubble as rescue efforts continue.
An eyewitness, Sani Hassan, who narrowly escaped, said he had stepped out of the pit moments before the collapse.
“Just a few minutes after I came out to drink water, the pit collapsed while many of my colleagues were still inside. There were more than 30 persons in the pit. Eleven dead bodies were evacuated immediately, while several others are still there,” he told Saturday PUNCH.
Another resident involved in rescue efforts, Sanusi Auwal, confirmed to Reuters that at least 13 bodies had been retrieved, including that of his cousin.
Similarly, survivor Isa Sani, now receiving medical treatment, said:
“Over 100 miners were inside when the collapse happened. We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued.”
The Zamfara State Miners Association, through its official, Muhammadu Isa, confirmed the incident, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Efforts by journalists to reach the state police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, for comments were unsuccessful as of Friday evening.
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