Zamfara mine collapse: 13 bodies recovered, many feared trapped

The death toll from a mining site collapse in Kadauri village, Zamfara State, stands at 13 recovered bodies, but fears remain that many more miners are trapped.

One survivor, Sani Hassan, had a miraculous escape, recounting how he left the gold-digging pit on Thursday for a quick water break, only to watch the site collapse behind him.

“Just a few minutes after I came out of the mining pit, it suddenly collapsed while many of my colleagues were still inside,” he said.

According to Hassan, other miners rushed to the scene to rescue those trapped underground.

“I was inside the pit earlier, but I came out to look for water. Immediately I left, the pit collapsed and buried some of my colleagues. There were more than 30 persons inside. Eleven dead bodies were evacuated, while several others are still there,” he said.

Sanusi Auwal, a local resident involved in the rescue efforts, told Reuters that at least 13 bodies—including that of his own cousin—have been pulled from the rubble.

Auwal estimated that over 100 miners were in the pit when it caved in.

A survivor, Isa Sani, confirmed the dire situation.

Sani, who is currently being treated for his injuries, stated, “We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued.”

Meanwhile, Muhammadu Isa of the Zamfara State Miners Association confirmed the tragedy.

The state police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, was unavailable for comment despite repeated inquiries.