Tragedy in Plateau as Mine collapse leaves 13 dead
At least 13 people have lost their lives following the collapse of a mining site in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. The incident, which occurred on November 10, has sent shockwaves through the local community. Seven of the victims are from Bassa LGA, according to the area’s chairman, Joshua Riti.
The mining site, which is located near the borders of Jos South and Jos North LGAs, collapsed under unclear circumstances. Riti described the event as a heartbreaking tragedy, noting that the victims were primarily young people who had been working in the mines in search of a livelihood amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
“This is an unfortunate incident. These young people were only out in search of a means of livelihood,” Riti said in a statement. “They went out to put their energies to good use to sustain and meet up with the current economic hardship in the country but met their untimely death.”
The majority of the victims, aged between 18 and 30, were engaged in informal mining activities, which have been increasingly common in Nigeria’s resource-rich areas. The incident has highlighted the dangers faced by young miners who often work in precarious and unregulated conditions.
Riti extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy, as search and rescue operations continued in the aftermath of the collapse.
Mining accidents are sadly becoming more frequent in Nigeria, particularly in the country’s northern and central regions. In June, a similar disaster occurred in Niger State after heavy rains caused a mining site to collapse. Seven individuals were rescued from the wreckage. Earlier this year, two people were killed and 77 others were injured in Ibadan, Oyo State, in an incident linked to illegal mining activities.
