Hussaini Ibrahim 
ZAMFARA, Nigeria – Several miners have been confirmed dead after a pit collapsed in Jabaka village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, officials said Tuesday.
Emergency responders are still searching for survivors amid dangerous conditions, raising concerns about persistent safety lapses in Nigeria’s mining sector.
The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities (FNMHC) condemned the tragedy as “preventable.” Co-Chair Dr Temitope Olaifa said: “This is not an isolated incident. Collapses in Ebonyi and Niger in recent months killed miners too. Such negligence must end.”
In June, three miners died in Paikoro, Niger State, while in August two perished in Ebonyi’s Ivo LGA.
“The Jabaka disaster shows governance failures where profit trumps human lives,” said FNMHC Co-Chair Abubakar Wushishi, calling for stricter oversight, rehabilitation of unsafe sites, and greater community involvement.
Officials from the Ministry of Solid Minerals are working with volunteers on rescue operations, but locals expressed frustration. “We are tired of watching our sons buried alive,” said community leader Musa Marafa.
Families of trapped miners continue to wait anxiously for updates. Campaigners say systemic reforms, not ad hoc rescues, are the only way forward.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
