No fewer than 22 miners are presumed dead following the collapse of a mining pit at an illegal mining site located within a national game reserve spanning Gashaka Local Government Area in Taraba State and Toungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State.
The National Game Reserve, known for its mineral resources, has seen multiple fatalities over recent years due to unregulated mining activities.
A miner from Gashaka, Adamu Jamtare explained that many of the deceased were from Jamtare town in Gashaka LGA, Taraba State.
“They were mining gold in an area known as the Buffa zone within the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, covering parts of both Gashaka and Toungo. All 22 miners trapped in the pit are presumed dead,” he said.
Commenting on the development, Chairman of Toungo LGA, Engr. Suleiman Toungo confirmed that five miners had been found dead, but was uncertain of the exact number still buried.
“The incident, involving miners from various parts of Nigeria, including Zamfara and Adamawa, occurred almost a month ago.
“Despite the area being patrolled by rangers, illegal mining activities continued, often conducted covertly at night. Five bodies have been recovered so far,” he said.
SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, Adamawa State Command Police Public Relations Officer confirmed two recent reports of fatalities from pit collapses.
“In one incident, four miners perished, while in another, six miners were involved, with two confirmed dead and four sustaining injuries.
“The police are collaborating with the Gumti National Park authorities to apprehend the illegal miners involved,” SP Nguroje stated.
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