Atiku, Obi reacts as scores feared dead in Zamfara mining site

Reactions has trailed the report of the collapse of a gold mining pit in Nigeria’s Zamfara State, where scores of people feared dead.

According to report, the pit at the Kadauri mining site in the Maru local government area caved in on Thursday while scores of artisanal miners were working underground.

Sanusi Auwal, a local resident involved in rescue efforts, said at least 13 bodies were retrieved from the rubble, including that of his cousin.
“We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued,” said Isa Sani, who is currently receiving treatment for injuries.

On X, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who extended his deepest condolences to families and community affected by this tragic event said, “Your pain is our pain. We mourn with you, and we pray for strength and solace in this dark hour”.

He commended the valiant rescue teams, local volunteers, and medical personnel who are working tirelessly under difficult and dangerous conditions to recover survivors and provide care to the injured.
“This disaster underscores, yet again, the urgent need for Nigeria to confront the underlying failures in enforcement, regulation, and oversight in the mining sector especially in artisanal and small- scale mining, where workers are often exposed to life-threatening hazards without adequate safety measures”.

Atiku added, “There’s an urgent need for stricter monitoring and regulation of mining activities, particularly in areas dominated by artisanal operations.

“Nigeria must strengthen health, safety, and environmental standards while also ensuring that miners receive proper training, equipment, and support to reduce risks.
“In addition, there should be well-coordinated emergency response mechanisms with faster reaction times and adequate resources to save lives when disasters occur”.

The former Vice President called on the Federal government, the Zamfara State Government, agencies such as Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, and other stakeholders to collaborate urgently.

“The task at hand is to rescue those still trapped, provide immediate relief to victims and their families, and ensure that lessons are learnt to avert such tragedies”, Atiku concluded.
Also, the former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi who was deeply saddened by the tragic incident extended his heartfelt prayers and condolences to the bereaved families and to the good people of Zamfara at this difficult time.

He commended the Governor and the State rescue teams for the efforts made so far. The lives of our citizens must remain our most valuable resource and must be protected at all costs.

Obi said, “This unfortunate disaster is yet another reminder of the urgent need to secure and properly regulate our solid minerals industry with strict licensing, adherence to global safety standards, and well-equipped rapid response systems.
“The safety and transparency of operations of our mining sites must be prioritised so that tragedies like this are prevented in the future. I pray that many more are rescued alive and may the souls of those departed rest in perfect peace”, he concluded.

Meanwhile, following reports of mine pit collapse in Kadauri Village, Maru LGA of Zamfara State, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development deployed Federal Mines officers in the state to lead rescue operations.

A statement from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development indicates that the collapse, triggered by heavy rainfall and aggravated by the unlawful activities of illegal miners, trapped fifteen mine workers.

It was further revealed that thirteen of the mine workers have been recovered, unfortunately with no survivors while efforts are still on to recover remaining two, still trapped in the rubble.