Tragedy struck in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State with the Zamfara gold mine pit collapse. A gold mining pit collapsed, claiming multiple lives and leaving several others injured.
Police authorities confirmed that eight persons died in the incident. This occurred while local miners were working inside the pit. However, accounts from community members and local officials suggest the death toll may be higher.
The councilor representing Maru ward, Sani Abdullahi Maru, told LEADERSHIP Weekend that 11 people were confirmed dead and “scores” sustained varying degrees of injuries. According to him, the injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the Maru General Hospital and are responding well.
Residents of Kadauri village expressed fears that the casualties could exceed official figures. A villager, Yusuf Isa, said 15 bodies had already been recovered from the pit as of Friday evening. “At the time I left the scene, 15 corpses were recovered. The figure could be more than that because the search continued,” he recounted.
The incident highlights the persistent dangers associated with artisanal mining in Zamfara State, where unregulated mining activities remain widespread despite government crackdowns. Frequent pit collapses have raised concerns about safety standards and the urgent need for proper regulation to safeguard lives.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, authorities have yet to provide an official update on the final casualty figure. Meanwhile, community members and families of the victims have been thrown into mourning over the devastating loss.
