The Federal Government has ordered an emergency rescue operation and pledged decisive action against illegal mining activities after a mining pit collapsed in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, leaving at least 13 people dead and two others missing.Authorities confirmed that the victims were among local miners trapped when the pit caved in over the weekend. Rescue teams, comprising security personnel, emergency responders, and community volunteers, have since been deployed to the site in search of survivors.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described the incident as “a tragic consequence of unregulated mining” and reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce stricter measures against illegal operations in mineral-rich communities.“The Federal Government will not fold its arms while criminal mining activities continue to endanger lives, destroy the environment, and deprive the nation of vital revenue,” Alake said in a statement. He assured that those behind the unsafe mining activities would be tracked and prosecuted.Residents of Kadauri said the pit had been active for weeks despite warnings about its instability.
They appealed for government support to prevent further disasters and provide relief to families of the victims.Illegal mining has long plagued Zamfara and other northern states, often fueling insecurity and environmental degradation. The government says it will intensify surveillance and strengthen collaboration with local authorities to restore order in the sector.