The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZSEMA), Amb. Bala Ahmad, on Friday confirmed the collapse of mining pits that trapped several artisanal miners in Kadauri community, Maru Local Government Area of the state.
Ahmad, who spoke with journalists in Gusau, said the tragic incident occurred on Thursday night but declined to give further details, noting that he was in a meeting with stakeholders. He assured that more information would be provided in due course.
Local community leaders told reporters that many miners were still trapped in the pits, which caved in after several hours of heavy rainfall. The exact number of casualties has not yet been determined.
According to residents, some injured victims have already been taken to the Maru General Hospital for treatment. Rescue operations, involving community members and state officials, were ongoing as of Friday afternoon in an effort to save those still trapped underground.
