At least 13 people have lost their lives following the collapse of a mining site in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on November 10, has left the community in mourning as families grapple with the loss of young lives.
Joshua Riti, Chairman of Bassa LGA, confirmed the accident and stated that seven of the deceased were residents of the LGA.
The collapsed site, situated near Jos South and Jos North LGAs, has sparked concerns about the safety conditions at Nigeria’s mining locations.
Riti told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), “This is an unfortunate incident. “These young people were only out in search of a means of livelihood. They went out to put their energies to good use to sustain and meet up with the current economic hardship in the country but met their untimely death.”
The victims, mostly aged between 18 and 30, were reportedly engaged in mining to make ends meet amidst Nigeria’s challenging economic environment.
Expressing his condolences, Riti said, “I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
Mining accidents continue to pose a significant risk in resource-rich Nigeria, with several deadly incidents recorded in recent years. In June, a mining site in Niger State collapsed following heavy rains, though seven individuals were eventually rescued.
Earlier in January, two people were killed and 77 others injured in Ibadan, Oyo State, due to illegal mining activities.