Seven miners have died after a mining pit collapsed on them at Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, in the latest of a series of similar tragedies to hit the state's mining communities.
Residents said the collapse occurred at around 7pm on Wednesday while the victims were carrying out mining activities at the site. A community member, Albert Danlami, said the victims were trapped underground, prompting residents and other miners to begin rescue efforts, though all seven were found dead by the time they were reached. Some other people were injured in the incident.
The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the deaths. Community members expressed grief and frustration over the recurring danger. "The pit was too deep and there were no safety measures. Government must come and regulate these mining sites before more lives are lost," said resident Timothy Bako. Mining pit collapses have claimed numerous lives in mining communities across Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Riyom, and other local government areas in Plateau State in recent years.