Collapse of gold mine claims around 100 lives

At least 100 people are believed to have died in the collapse of a gold mine in the Nigerian state of Zamfara.

The mine in the Kadauri region of Maru administrative district collapsed on Thursday while dozens of miners were working there, residents told Reuters news agency.

Rescue efforts continued on Friday. Sanusi Auwal, a local resident who was involved in the rescue efforts, said that at least 13 bodies had been recovered from the rubble so far. Among the victims was his cousin.
According to survivor Isa Sani, who is currently being treated in hospital, only 15 of the more than 100 miners were rescued.
The incident was also confirmed by Muhammadu Isa of the Zamfara State Mining Association. He said that some rescuers also lost their lives while trying to recover bodies. The police have not yet commented on the incident.

Illegal mining is widespread in the region. Gold deposits are often controlled by armed gangs, which increases the risk of violence and fatal accidents.

Zamfara is considered one of the most dangerous regions in Nigeria due to a combination of crime, mineral resources, and weak government control.

(reuters, lud)