Seven miners lost their lives after a mining pit collapsed in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 7pm while the miners were working at the site. Residents and fellow miners attempted to rescue those trapped underground, but all seven were found dead.
Community in Mourning
Community members are in shock and grief following the tragic incident. Residents gathered at the mining site after the pit collapsed and trapped several miners underground. Albert Danlami, a community member, described the scene: "the victims were trapped underground following the collapse, prompting residents and other miners to commence efforts to recover them."
The incident has left residents of Kassa mourning, with community members again raising concerns about safety at mining sites in the area. Timothy Bako, a resident, expressed his grief, saying, "These are young men who went to work to feed their families. The pit was too deep and there were no safety measures. Government must come and regulate these mining sites before more lives are lost."
Calls for Government Intervention
Community leaders have called on the Plateau State Government and relevant mining authorities to provide immediate support to the families of the deceased and strengthen safety measures at mining sites across Barkin Ladi. The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the deaths, saying seven miners were at the site when the pit collapsed. He added, "Efforts were made to rescue the miners after the incident, but they were found dead."
The latest incident has also renewed concerns over the dangers faced by informal and poorly regulated mining workers, especially where miners operate without adequate safety structures. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "Every time we hear this kind of news. People are digging with bare hands and no support. We need help from government and mining experts to prevent this from happening again."
Safety Concerns Remain
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for better regulation and stronger safety measures at mining sites. Residents are urging the government to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future. As Timothy Bako said, "We need help from government and mining experts to prevent this from happening again."
The Plateau State Government and relevant mining authorities are yet to comment on the incident or provide any information on their plans to strengthen safety measures at mining sites in the area.
Source: Pulse.ng
