A devastating mining pit collapse in Adamawa and Taraba has left several feared dead, with rescue operations underway. Discover more about the incident and ongoing rescue efforts.
At least 22 miners are feared dead following the collapse of a mining pit at an illegal site situated within a national game reserve that spans across the Gashaka Local Government Area in Taraba State and the Toungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State.
Adamu Jamtare, a miner hailing from Gashaka, disclosed that numerous victims originated from the town of Jamtare in Gashaka LGA.
He stated, “Gold mining was taking place in the Buffa zone of Gashaka-Gumti National Park, which spans areas within both Gashaka and Toungo. All 22 miners trapped in the pit are presumed dead.”
The Chairman of Toungo LGA, Engineer Suleiman Toungo, confirmed the discovery of five deceased miners but expressed uncertainty regarding the exact number still buried.
He mentioned that the incident, which involved miners from different regions of Nigeria such as Zamfara and Adamawa, took place nearly a month ago.
Although the area was patrolled by rangers, illegal mining activities persisted, frequently carried out secretly at night. “Five bodies have been recovered so far,” he stated.
The national game reserve, renowned for its mineral resources, has experienced several fatalities in recent years due to unregulated mining activities.
A resident from Tila village, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that around 70 miners died in similar incidents last year; however, these events have mostly gone unreported.
Adamawa Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed two recent incidents of fatalities resulting from pit collapses.
He mentioned that in one incident, four miners lost their lives. In another situation, six miners were involved; two were confirmed dead and the remaining four sustained injuries.
SP Nguroje mentioned that the police are working together with Gumti National Park authorities to catch those involved in illegal mining.
