More than 30 victims were buried alive after the mine collapse in Adamawa/Taraba, according to a council official. In a terrible occurrence that has once again exposed the perils of illicit mining in Nigeria, over 30 miners are believed dead when a mining shaft collapsed in the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, which spans the boundaries of Adamawa and Taraba states. The accident happened in the Buffa zone, a region known for unlicensed gold mining operations, which are mostly carried out by artisanal miners.
The fall is said to have occurred about a month ago, and local accounts indicate that around 22 miners were originally trapped. However, subsequent remarks by local authorities indicate that the overall number of casualties may approach 30. Many of those engaged were from Jamtare, a town in the Gashaka Local Government Area (LGA) noted for its abundant mineral reserves and numerous mining-related catastrophes.
Adamu Jamtare, a local miner and eyewitness, verified that all trapped workers were assumed dead. "They were mining gold when the pit collapsed," he said, highlighting the precarious circumstances in which these miners work. Engineer Suleiman Toungo, Chairman of the Toungo LGA, confirmed this information, admitting that five remains had been retrieved but expressing confusion about how many more were still buried.
Illegal mining has become a major concern in Nigeria, especially in mineral-rich areas such as gold. Despite its status as a protected region, the Gashaka-Gumti National Park has experienced an inflow of miners enticed by the potential for rapid profit. Over the years, several deaths have occurred as a consequence of dangerous mining techniques and a lack of regulatory oversight.
The park is guarded by rangers; yet, illicit mining operations often occur at night. According to reports, this is not a unique incidence; similar disasters have happened before. For example, an unidentified source revealed last year that around 70 miners perished in different events due to unlicensed mining.
The Adamawa Police spokesman, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, verified the occurrence and said that there had been several instances of mining pit collapses resulting in deaths. He claimed that the police are working with park authorities to stop unlawful mining and make those involved accountable. Given this tragedy, Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has urged for more coordination among stakeholders to successfully combat illicit mining.
He underlined the need for increased monitoring and control inside mining communities to avoid additional fatalities. Alake said that technical checks indicated a dearth of professional skills among artisanal miners, which contributed to similar tragedies. He asked local governments to accept responsibility for monitoring unlawful activities within their boundaries and to collaborate with state agencies to create early warning systems to avert such occurrences.
The environmental consequences of unlawful mining are severe. Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of the Renewed Development Initiative (RDI), questioned the government's weak control of mining operations. He emphasized that uncontrolled activities jeopardize not just miners, but also local ecosystems in protected regions such as Gashaka-Gumti. Jakpor demanded immediate government involvement and an inquiry into the events surrounding the recent accident. He noted that foreign nationals often work alongside local miners in these unlawful activities, compounding safety hazards and undercutting regulatory efforts.
The influence on local communities has been significant. Families have been bereaved by the death of loved ones who sought greater economic possibilities in mining. Many miners come from destitute origins and consider gold mining as a means out of poverty, despite the associated risks.
Residents have voiced dissatisfaction with authorities for failing to take significant action in the face of recurring disasters. The community wants stronger support services for miners and tighter policing of unlawful activities.
The collapse of the mine pit in Adamawa/Taraba serves as a stark warning of the dangers of illicit mining in Nigeria. With almost 30 lives possibly sacrificed, it highlights the critical need for significant changes in the industry.
Stakeholders must collaborate to create effective policies that safeguard both miners and the environment, while also addressing the socioeconomic issues that drive people to engage in unsafe mining operations.
As officials examine this tragedy and retrieve those who remain trapped under the debris, it is apparent that until substantial changes are made to how mining is governed and supervised in Nigeria, similar tragedies will continue, costing lives and disrupting communities throughout the country.
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