The Federal Government has confirmed the death of 13 miners after a tragic mine pit collapse in Jabaka village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to a statement by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the incident occurred last Thursday. Of the 15 trapped miners, only two remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts intensify.
Alake has deployed federal mines officers to work alongside state authorities in the ongoing operation, describing the disaster as “avoidable and unfortunate.” He further announced that the collapsed site will be permanently sealed off once recovery operations are concluded.
“I received with deep shock the report of the unfortunate incident in Zamfara, which has resulted in casualties. Our first responders are already on the ground, working with the state government. Once rescue operations are concluded, the site will be sealed,” Alake said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the mine, located in an area with loose sandy soil and traces of gold, was illegally operated using crude tools—heightening environmental and safety risks.
The Minister recalled that over a year ago, the Federal Government launched the Mining Marshals initiative, which has since led to the arrest of more than 300 illegal miners across 10 states and the FCT, as well as the sealing of 98 illegal sites.
Alake disclosed that the marshals will be expanded with more personnel and logistics support, while the ministry has begun deploying satellite surveillance systems for real-time monitoring of mining activities nationwide.
Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy, he vowed to hunt down illegal operators and their sponsors.
“We will not relent until we rid this country of illegal mining. With satellite surveillance and tougher enforcement underway, we will drastically reduce mine collapses and bring perpetrators to justice,” Alake declared.
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