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At least 13 people have died following the collapse of a mining site in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State, confirmed by the area’s chairman, Joshua Riti, to reporters in Jos on Monday.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday at a site near the borders of Bassa, Jos South, and Jos North LGAs.
Riti expressed sorrow over the lives lost, noting that seven of the victims were from Bassa LGA. “These young individuals were only seeking a way to earn a living amidst the nation’s economic challenges.
My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” he stated. Most of those who died were between the ages of 18 and 30.
This incident comes only months after a similar mining collapse in Niger State in June, where heavy rain trapped several miners. Accidents at illegal mining sites are common in Nigeria but often go unreported.
In January, a deadly explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, killed two people and injured 77 others; authorities linked the blast to explosives stored by illegal miners.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has pledged to address the issue of illegal mining, which is frequently linked to such incidents.
Despite initiatives like the Mines Marshal task force aimed at curbing illegal mining, unregulated activities persist in the sector.