Zamfara State has officially confirmed that 10 people died in a catastrophic mining pit collapse at Kadauri village, in the Maru Local Government Area.
However, community observers and other sources claim the incident may have been far more devastating. One report puts the death toll at at least 100.
Rescue teams, aided by local residents, rushed to the scene and initially recovered 13 bodies, including that of a relative of one of the victims. They also managed to pull one person out alive.
According to Mustafa Kaura, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Governor Dauda Lawal, the state’s Ministry of Environment had confirmed the recovery of 10 bodies and the rescue of one survivor. The governor’s office extended condolences to the families of the deceased and instructed the Maru council chair to compile a list of affected persons so the government could provide needed support.
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The collapse is being blamed on illegal mining operations, with concerns raised over seasonal heavy rains further weakening unstable pits. Kaura also warned that the influx of miners—both from within Nigeria and from abroad—could worsen security and safety risks in the area.
As this tragedy unfolds, many are calling on the federal government, which controls mineral resources, to step in decisively and regulate mining activities in vulnerable areas.
The conflicting reports highlight the difficulty of verifying casualties in such disasters, especially when mining is informal and loosely monitored. The people of Zamfara and beyond now await further updates as rescue and recovery efforts continue.