The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the incident as “avoidable and unfortunate” and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
According to a statement issued by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the minister said federal officials were already on ground coordinating rescue efforts and ensuring the safety of affected residents while assessing the scale of the disaster.
Tomori said the accident was triggered by heavy rainfall and worsened by the activities of illegal miners, leading to the entrapment of at least fifteen itinerant mine workers.
He said Dr. Alake had mobilized relevant departments within the ministry to assist in the rescue operation and investigate the cause of the collapse.
“I received with deep shock the report of the unfortunate incident in Zamfara which has unfortunately resulted in some casualties. Our first responders have been mobilised to the site and are working with officials of the State government on rescue operations, after which the site will be sealed off,” Alake said, according to the statement.
Thirteen bodies have been recovered, while efforts continue to retrieve the remaining two miners still trapped in the rubble.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the area, rich in loose sand and gold traces, is conducive to alluvial mining.
“Once traces of gold were discovered, illegal miners brought in itinerant workers who entered the site with rudimentary tools, ignoring significant safety and environmental risks,” the statement reads.
Tomori further said the Mining Marshals have so far led to the arrest of over 300 illegal miners across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The task force has also led to the sealing of 98 illegal mining sites, with plans underway to scale up their operations, including enhanced logistics and manpower across the country.
He said the situation in Zamfara remains complex due to its history of insecurity and banditry adding that the Tinubu administration is currently addressing this through military clearance operations spearheaded by the National Security Adviser (NSA).
To strengthen oversight, he said; “the Ministry has also begun deploying satellite surveillance systems nationwide for real-time monitoring of mining sites.
“This system is expected to deter illegal activities and provide swift responses to emergencies like the recent collapse.”
As investigations into the Maru mine pit tragedy continues, Alake reaffirmed government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining.
“We will not relent until we rid this country of the nefarious activities of illegal miners. Despite our vast land mass, we remain undaunted, ” Alake said.
“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,” the Minister said.
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