18 dead as Nigeria mine collapses during rains

At least 18 people have died after a boulder crashed onto a mine in northern Nigeria’s Zamfara state during heavy rainfall, local sources reported. The incident took place on Thursday at a mine near Kadauri village in the Maru district. Five others survived with injuries, while around a dozen miners remain trapped, their fate unknown, according to Sani Lawwali, a miner who participated in the rescue efforts.

The sudden collapse highlights the dangers faced by miners in the region, where informal and unregulated mining is common. Many small-scale mines operate with minimal safety measures, making them highly vulnerable to accidents, especially during heavy rains or floods. Local authorities and rescue teams rushed to the site, working to recover those trapped and provide medical care to survivors.

Such disasters are unfortunately recurring in Zamfara and other northern states of Nigeria, where artisanal mining is a major source of income but comes with high risks. Experts warn that without stricter safety regulations and better oversight, these tragic incidents are likely to continue, affecting miners and their families who depend on mining for livelihood.