At least 13 people have been reported dead following a tragic incident at a mining site in Plateau State on Saturday.
The collapse occurred in the Bassa Local Government Area (LGA), located at the borders of Bassa, Jos South, and Jos North LGAs.
Dr. Joshua Riti, Chairman of Bassa LGA, confirmed the devastating news on Monday, expressing deep sadness over the tragic loss of life.
“This is a very unfortunate incident,” Riti said. “These young people were simply trying to make a living and improve their circumstances in this difficult economic climate.”
Most of the victims were youths between the ages of 18 and 30, according to local reports.
The victims were reportedly engaged in mining activities when the site collapsed, trapping them under debris. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue survivors, but many were found dead at the scene.
Riti noted that seven of the deceased hailed from Bassa LGA, while others came from neighboring local government areas.
“This is a sad day for our community,” Riti continued. “These were young, hardworking people, and their lives were taken away in the blink of an eye.”
The mining site where the collapse occurred is known for its precarious conditions, and mining accidents are not uncommon in the region. However, local authorities and residents have expressed their concerns over the lack of proper safety measures at many of these informal mining operations.
Riti offered his condolences to the families of the victims, stating, “I extend my deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of those affected by this terrible tragedy. We are with you in this moment of grief.”
Many of the miners were young men and women, struggling to make a living in an environment where jobs are scarce, and the economy remains challenging. The collapse highlights the desperate measures that many youths take to provide for their families in an uncertain economic climate.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of informal mining operations in Plateau State, where regulations are often inadequate, and many workers are exposed to dangerous conditions without proper protective equipment.
Mining remains an important industry in Plateau, with many local communities depending on it for their livelihood. However, the lack of oversight in some areas has led to numerous accidents over the years, with workers often taking high risks to extract valuable minerals from the earth.
In response to the incident, local authorities have vowed to investigate the cause of the collapse and take action to prevent further tragedies. The Plateau State Government has promised to send an investigation team to the site to assess the situation and determine the causes of the collapse.
