Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has mourned victims of the mining pit collapse in Kadauri, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, describing the incident as a national tragedy that highlights Nigeria’s weak regulatory framework in the solid minerals sector.
In a statement released on Sunday on X, Obi said he was deeply saddened by the collapse, which trapped several miners underground.
‘I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident at the Kadauri mining site in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State, where about 100 people are feared dead, with 15 miners already rescued and 13 people sadly confirmed dead’, he said.
The former Anambra governor extended condolences to the families of the victims while praising local rescue efforts.
‘My heartfelt prayers and condolences go to the bereaved families and to the good people of Zamfara at this difficult time.
‘I commend the Governor and the State rescue teams for the efforts made so far’, Obi added.
He urged urgent reforms in the solid minerals industry, and said the disaster should serve as a wake-up call for the government to urgently secure the industry, enforce global safety standards by prioritising the protection of lives.
‘This unfortunate disaster is yet another reminder of the urgent need to secure and properly regulate our solid minerals industry with strict licensing, adherence to global safety standards, and well-equipped rapid response systems.
‘The safety and transparency of operations of our mining sites must be prioritised so that tragedies like this are prevented in the future. I pray that many more are rescued alive and may the souls of those departed rest in perfect peace’, Obi added.
It was reported that Zamfara State Government confirmed that only 10 people lost their lives in the incident.
Speaking to our correspondent, the Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal on Media and Communications, Mustafa Kaura, said only one person was rescued alive while 10 bodies were evacuated.
Kaura described illegal mining as a major threat, warning that unchecked activities could worsen insecurity and trigger further disasters.
‘It is disheartening to note that there are over 20,000 illegal miners currently in the state looking for gold, which is worrisome’, he said.
