GUSAU, Nigeria— At least several people are feared trapped after multiple mining pits collapsed in Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria, local officials and residents said Friday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The accident happened Thursday evening in the village of Bagega, Anka Local Government Area, where many small-scale miners dig for gold. Witnesses said heavy rains and unstable soil caused the pits to cave in while dozens of workers were still inside.

Local emergency officials confirmed that rescue efforts were underway but warned that the number of people inside the collapsed pits could be high.

“We received information that many artisanal miners were in the pits when they collapsed,” said Bello Suleiman, a community leader in Bagega. “So far, only a few bodies have been recovered, but many are still trapped.”

Authorities have not released an official death toll. Residents told reporters that at least 10 bodies had been pulled out by late Thursday, while more than 30 others remain missing.

Rescue Efforts Continue

State emergency management workers, local volunteers, and security forces rushed to the scene to help with rescue operations. But responders said the remote location and lack of heavy equipment slowed efforts.

“We are using shovels and bare hands to dig because the pits are deep and narrow,” said volunteer rescuer Musa Ibrahim. “We fear more collapses could happen as we try to save people.”

Mining accidents are common in Zamfara and other parts of northern Nigeria, where thousands of young men work in unsafe, unregulated gold mines. Most operate without modern equipment or safety standards.

Previous Accidents

In February this year, at least 14 miners were killed when a pit collapsed in nearby Maru Local Government Area. Last year, another major accident in Zamfara claimed more than 50 lives.

Experts say weak soil, heavy rains, and unsafe mining methods make such collapses frequent. Many pits are dug too deep without proper support, leaving workers vulnerable when the ground shifts.

“This tragedy is preventable,” said environmental activist Kabiru Aliyu. “Government needs to regulate artisanal mining, provide training, and enforce safety measures. Otherwise, more lives will be lost.”

Economic Pressure

Despite the risks, mining is a main source of income for many families in Zamfara. The state has some of Nigeria’s largest gold deposits, and thousands of people depend on digging to survive.

Nigeria has tried to formalize the sector, but many miners continue to work illegally, selling gold to middlemen. The lack of oversight also fuels conflict, as criminal groups fight for control of mining sites.

Residents say poverty and lack of jobs push people into the dangerous work. “There are no factories or farms here that can employ our youths,” said Suleiman. “Mining is the only option, even if it is risky.”

Government Response

Zamfara State officials said they are monitoring the situation and will release an update once more information is available. They urged calm and promised to support rescue operations.

The federal government has also pledged to improve safety in the mining sector. But critics say progress has been slow and enforcement weak.

“The lives of poor villagers are treated as if they don’t matter,” said activist Aliyu. “If this happened in a big city, the response would be faster and stronger.”

Impact and Next Steps

As rescue operations continue, families of missing miners have gathered near the collapsed pits, waiting anxiously for news. Many fear the death toll could rise as hours pass without survivors being pulled out.

Analysts warn that unless urgent steps are taken, similar tragedies will continue to claim lives in Zamfara and other mining states. They call for stricter regulation, stronger monitoring, and alternative jobs to reduce dependence on unsafe mining.

For now, the people of Bagega are left mourning, digging with their hands, and hoping for miracles from beneath the earth.