Rescue Operations Underway In Jabaka Village Following Mine Pit Collapse

The Federal Government has launched immediate rescue operations following the collapse of a mine pit in Jabaka Village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

In a statement in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals development, Dr. Dele Alake expresses shock over the incident, describing the loss of lives as both avoidable and regrettable.

According to the statement, Dr. Alake confirmed that relevant departments of the Ministry have been mobilized to support the rescue operations and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

“Upon receiving reports of the incident, the Ministry swiftly deployed Federal Mines Officers in the state to lead and coordinate emergency efforts” he states.

“The collapse, triggered by heavy rainfall and worsened by illegal mining activities, trapped at least fifteen (15) itinerant mine workers. Thirteen (13) bodies have so far been recovered, all deceased. Efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining two” he stresses.

“I received with deep shock the report of the unfortunate incident in Zamfara, which has sadly resulted in multiple casualties.Our first responders are on site, working alongside state officials to conduct rescue operations. The site will be sealed immediately after the ongoing recovery efforts,” the Minister states.

According to him, Preliminary findings indicate that the collapsed area is composed of loose sand with traces of gold, making it prone to instability especially during alluvial mining.

“Once gold traces were discovered, illegal miners mobilized workers who used rudimentary tools, ignoring environmental and safety hazards inherent to the terrain”

The statement reaffirms the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining and issued a strong warning to those involved:

“We will not relent until we rid this country of the nefarious activities of illegal miners. Despite our vast landmass, we remain undaunted. With satellite surveillance and expanded enforcement, we aim to drastically reduce mine collapses and dismantle the network behind illegal mining operations,” Dr. Alake states.

PR/Georgina Humphrey