The Federal Government has deployed rescue teams to Kadauri Village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State following the collapse of a mine pit that claimed the lives of at least 13 miners.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) confirmed that Federal Mines Officers have been dispatched to coordinate ongoing rescue operations. Fifteen itinerant miners were reportedly trapped after the pit, weakened by heavy rainfall and illegal mining activities, caved in.

“Thirteen victims have been recovered, sadly with no survivors. Efforts are underway to recover the remaining two still trapped,” the ministry stated.

Reacting to the incident, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the tragedy as “avoidable and unfortunate,” stressing that relevant departments of the ministry had been mobilized to aid rescue efforts and investigate the cause of the collapse.

“I received with deep shock the report of the unfortunate incident in Zamfara,” Alake said. “Our first responders are working with state officials on rescue operations, after which the site will be sealed off.”

He revealed that preliminary findings showed the area was composed of loose sand and gold deposits, making it attractive for alluvial mining. He said illegal miners had mobilized workers with rudimentary tools despite the risks.

Alake reiterated the government’s determination to curb illegal mining, noting that the mining marshals launched over a year ago had arrested over 300 illegal miners and sealed 98 illegal sites across 10 states and the FCT.

He said plans are underway to expand their operations with additional personnel and logistics.

In a statement, Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said Zamfara posed unique challenges due to its history of banditry, but assured that the Tinubu administration was addressing the issue through military clearance operations coordinated by the National Security Adviser.

Following improved security, the government had lifted the ban on mining in Zamfara in December 2024 to allow full operations to resume under stricter oversight.

To prevent future incidents, the ministry has commenced installing satellite surveillance systems for real-time monitoring of mining sites and rapid response to emergencies.

Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, warning perpetrators to desist or face prosecution.

“We will not relent until we rid this country of illegal mining,” he declared. “With satellite surveillance and stronger enforcement measures, we aim to drastically reduce mine collapses and dismantle networks of illegal mining sponsors.”