Thirteen bodies of miners have been recovered, while many others are still trapped following the collapse of a mining site in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Sani Hassan, an eyewitness who barely avoided death, told the press that he was one of the lucky ones who survived the catastrophe.
He claims that on Thursday, while searching for gold in the pit, he abruptly went outside to get some water.
“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.
Hassan stated that 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 after 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 who is said to have assisted in the rescue attempts, told Reuters that at least 13 bodies, including his cousin’s, had been recovered from the wreckage.
“Over 100 miners were involved during the collapse,” Auwal said.
“We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued,” said Isa Sani, who is currently receiving treatment for injuries.
Muhammadu Isa, an official from the Zamfara State Miners Association, verified the event to the news agency on Friday.
Yazid Abubakar, the state police spokeswoman, could not be reached for comment on Friday despite numerous efforts.
