At least 100 people are feared dead after a gold mining pit collapsed in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, survivors and residents said on Friday.
The pit at the Kadauri site in Maru local government area gave way on Thursday while scores of artisanal miners were underground, witnesses told Reuters. Rescue efforts continued into Friday.
Sanusi Auwal, a resident helping with the search, said 13 bodies had been recovered, including his cousin. “Over 100 miners were involved during the collapse,” he said by phone.
“We are lucky to be rescued alive. Out of more than 100 people, only 15 of us were rescued,” said survivor Isa Sani, who is being treated for injuries.
Muhammadu Isa of the Zamfara State miners’ association confirmed the incident and said some rescuers also suffocated while digging for trapped miners.
Zamfara police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar did not immediately respond to calls and messages seeking comment.
Illegal mining is rife in Zamfara, where armed gangs often control gold fields, driving violence and frequent fatal accidents.