The Association of Mining Communities in Nigeria has expressed concern about the increasing number of deadly mining incidents in the nation, after a mine shaft collapsed in Jabaka village, within the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, resulting in 13 deaths and two people missing.
A statement jointly authored by its Co-Chairs, Temitope Olaifa and Alhaji Abubakar Wushishi, released on Tuesday, characterized the incident as yet another preventable catastrophe resulting from carelessness and insufficient regulatory control within Nigeria’s mining industry.
The federal government verified the incident on Sunday via the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which stated that federal mine officials had been sent to oversee the rescue efforts. The ministry reported that the collapse was caused by heavy rains and exacerbated by unlawful mining activities in the region. At least 15 migrant miners were trapped when the pit collapsed, with only deceased individuals being found.
The disaster, caused by intense rain and worsened by the illegal actions of unauthorized miners, left at least 15 workers stuck in the mine.
“Thirteen of them have been found, unfortunately without any survivors,” said Segun Tomori, the ministry’s Special Assistant for Media, in a statement.
In expressing sympathy to the grieving families, the FNMHC pointed out that the Jabaka incident underscores the everyday risks endured by people living in areas rich in minerals throughout Nigeria. The organization stated that the fatalities might have been avoided if officials and operators had followed safety regulations closely.
This avoidable event is yet another result of carelessness, inadequate supervision, and the failure to implement appropriate safety protocols,” the federation stated. “These shortcomings keep endangering lives and can no longer be accepted.
The group highlighted a concerning pattern of recurring mine pit failures across the country. In August, a comparable incident occurred in Ihetutu, within the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, resulting in the death of two miners. Just two months prior, another collapse happened at Bazakwoi, in the Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, causing three fatalities and one injury.
The federation emphasized that these repeated disasters highlight the critical importance of enhanced implementation of mining safety regulations, responsibility from the operators, and more robust regulatory supervision.
While the FNMHC praised the Ministry of Solid Minerals, emergency workers, and community volunteers for their rescue work in Zamfara, it stated that reactive actions were insufficient. It instead called for comprehensive changes to avoid similar incidents.
The well-being and lives of local communities should always come before financial gain,” the group stated. “Mining operations must be carried out with strict compliance to safety measures, environmental conservation, and acknowledgment of human rights.
The federation thus called for an immediate inquiry into the Jabaka collapse, rigorous implementation of safety protocols in mining activities, restoration of closed or hazardous mining areas, and enhanced financial support for the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committees to strengthen oversight and compliance.
It also urged greater involvement of local communities, especially women, in the decision-making processes related to managing natural resources.
The artisanal and small-scale mining industry in Nigeria has experienced significant expansion in recent years, typically conducted with little attention to safety or environmental regulations. Experts point out that inadequate regulatory supervision, insufficient law enforcement, and the temptation of fast earnings have led to frequent incidents, with local communities facing the majority of the impacts.
The FNMHC committed to keeping up the fight for ethical and community-focused mining methods, while showing support for the residents of Jabaka and the loved ones impacted.
“We will not stop until Nigeria’s mining industry becomes safer, more open, and more responsible to the residents of the surrounding areas,” stated the federation.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
