At least three small-scale miners have lost their lives after a mining pit collapsed in Dan Kamfani, Anka Local Government of Zamfara State.
The incident which occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday also left 11 others injured, an eyewitness told Channels Television on Saturday.
He stated that the number of casualties can’t be ascertained due to the depth of the mining pit which is 275 metres deep.
The eyewitness added that the deceased are all from the Yar Tsabaya district in Anka LGA.
“The mining collapsed a few minutes to 4 p.m. on Thursday, we don’t know the exact number of people inside the mining pit, but three dead bodies were recovered, and 11 others are seriously wounded.
“The three people who died are from the Yar Tsabaya district of Anka Local Government. Up till now, we don’t have the actual figure of the people inside, and we cannot confirm the number of people because the mining pit is about 275 metres deep,
He said the injured are currently receiving treatment at the Anka General Hospital
Zamfara is rich in solid minerals which include gold, iron ore, limestone, and granite, among others.
For years on end, illegal mining in Zamfara State has fuelled banditry and other criminal activities.
The state governor, Dauda Lawal, on September 23, issued a ban on illegal mining activities and ordered law enforcement officials to take stringent action against violators.
