Zamfara Gold Mine Collapse: Not Less Than 100 Are Feared Dead

At least 100 people are feared dead after a gold mining pit collapsed in Zamfara state, northwest Nigeria, according to survivors and residents.

The pit at the Kadauri mining site in Maru local government area gave way on Thursday while scores of artisanal miners were working underground, according to Reuters.

Sanusi Auwal, a resident who joined rescue efforts, said at least 13 bodies had been pulled from the rubble, including that of his cousin.

Isa Sani, one of the survivors now receiving treatment, recalled the chaos. “We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued,” he said.

Muhammadu Isa of the Zamfara State Miners Association confirmed the incident, adding that some rescuers also suffocated while attempting to dig out trapped victims.

Zamfara police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Illegal mining is widespread in Zamfara, where armed groups often control gold fields, stoking violence and contributing to frequent, deadly accidents.