The Federal Government has launched rescue operations in Kadauri community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following the collapse of a mining pit that claimed several lives.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said first responders, in collaboration with state officials, had moved to the site and that the pit would be sealed off once the operation was concluded. He noted that federal mines officers were leading the rescue mission, with a directive to also investigate the cause of the collapse and submit a comprehensive report.
According to the minister, the tragedy was triggered by heavy rainfall and worsened by unlawful mining activities in the area. He explained that traces of gold in the loose terrain had attracted illegal miners who, using rudimentary tools, ignored environmental and safety risks.
Alake described the incident as avoidable, stressing that the administration remained determined to enforce zero tolerance for illegal mining. He said President Bola Tinubu had already deployed military clearance operations, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, to address the menace in Zamfara and across the Northwest.
He added that government was stepping up monitoring of mining activities nationwide through satellite surveillance systems, which would enable real-time oversight and proactive response to incidents.
“With satellite surveillance and other enforcement measures underway, we aim to drastically reduce mine collapses across the country and tighten the noose around sponsors of illegal mining,” Alake said.
He reaffirmed that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring safer mining practices while also providing the right environment for legitimate investors to thrive in the sector.
