Tragedy in Zamfara: Over 100 Feared Dead as Gold Mine Collapses Amid Government Neglect
Zamfara, Nigeria – September 27, 2025
At least 100 people are feared dead following the collapse of a gold mining pit at the Kadauri mining site in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State, sources and survivors confirmed on Friday. The pit caved in on Thursday while scores of artisanal miners were working underground, trapping them beneath rubble as rescue operations continued into Friday.
Sanusi Auwal, a resident involved in the rescue efforts, told Reuters that at least 13 bodies had been recovered, including that of his cousin. “Over 100 miners were involved during the collapse,” he said.
One survivor, Isa Sani, who is currently receiving treatment for injuries, recounted the harrowing ordeal: “We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were pulled out.” Muhammadu Isa of the Zamfara State Miners Association confirmed that some rescuers suffocated while trying to dig out victims, highlighting the dangerous conditions.
Local reports indicate that several hours of heavy rain preceded the collapse, further weakening the unstable mining pits. The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency, Bala Ahmad, confirmed the incident and said rescue efforts are ongoing, with survivors receiving treatment at Maru General Hospital.
The disaster has reignited anger over the government’s failure to safeguard its citizens from the dangers posed by unregulated gold mining operations, often run by foreign and local actors alike. Mining communities in Nigeria continue to operate with little oversight, exposing miners to deadly conditions, while authorities have largely turned a blind eye.
Community leaders and citizens are now demanding that both federal and state governments take urgent action to enforce safety standards, regulate artisanal mining, and provide oversight. Without such measures, tragedies like this are bound to repeat.
“This is not just an accident. It is a reflection of systemic neglect and disregard for human life,” said a local activist advocating for mining safety in Zamfara.
The Zamfara collapse paints a shocking picture of the daily risks faced by artisanal miners, who often descend into poorly constructed shafts to extract gold, unaware of the potential for sudden pit failures. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the incident has left families devastated, survivors traumatized, and entire communities mourning their loved ones.
Experts warn that unless the Nigerian government imposes strict safety regulations and monitors these mining activities rigorously, artisanal miners will continue to pay the price for systemic negligence.
The tragedy has sparked public outrage, with citizens demanding accountability from both state and federal authorities. Activists insist that mere expressions of concern are insufficient; tangible reforms, enforcement of regulations, and oversight of mining operations are essential to prevent further loss of life.
Until the government acts decisively to protect these vulnerable communities, disasters like the Kadauri pit collapse will continue to claim lives, highlighting a pattern of preventable suffering across Nigeria’s mining regions.
Developing Story: Rescue operations are ongoing, and the full scale of the tragedy is still emerging. Our thoughts remain with the victims, survivors, and their families during this time of mourning.
