Rescue teams and local volunteers are searching through rubble after a gold mining pit collapsed at the Kadauri site in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State, with at least 100 people feared dead, according to survivors and residents on the scene.
Authorities have not issued a definitive death toll. Local police have confirmed some fatalities but cautioned that figures remain uncertain as recovery work continues.
Witnesses said the pit caved in on Thursday while many artisanal miners were underground. The area is a hub for informal mining, where weak oversight, rudimentary tunneling, and seasonal rains can make shafts prone to collapse.
Why this keeps happening
Zamfara is rich in gold and has seen a surge in artisanal, unregulated mining. The federal government only lifted a years-long exploration ban in late 2024, citing improved security, but safety standards at informal sites remain poor.
What to watch
- Official casualty update from state emergency services and police.
- Possible temporary closures of nearby pits and any safety directives from government authorities.
- Community support for the injured and families of those still missing.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as rescue operations continue.
