Zamfara, Nigeria: At least 100 people are feared dead after a gold mining pit collapsed at the Kadauri site in Zamfara State’s Maru local government area on Thursday, according to survivors and local residents.
Witnesses said dozens of artisanal miners were trapped underground when the pit caved in. Rescue operations continued into Friday, but the effort has been hampered by hazardous conditions.
Sanusi Auwal, a local resident involved in rescue efforts, confirmed that 13 bodies had been retrieved so far, including that of his cousin. Survivor Isa Sani, receiving treatment for injuries, said, “Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued.”
Muhammadu Isa of the Zamfara State miners association added that some rescuers suffocated while trying to reach the trapped miners.
Illegal mining is prevalent in Zamfara, where armed gangs often control gold fields, contributing to both violence and deadly accidents. Police have yet to release an official statement.