Four individuals, suspected to be illegal miners, have lost their lives following the collapse of a sand excavation pit in Plateau State. The incident occurred along a riverbank within a local community, prompting a response from security forces.
Mr Makama confirmed that troops were deployed to the scene after receiving reports of the sand excavation pit collapse involving suspected illegal miners. The victims were reportedly caught in the collapse during excavation activities near the water body.
This tragedy follows recent reports of four miners killed in a Plateau State pit collapse, underscoring the recurring danger posed by unregulated extractive activities in the region.
Risks of unregulated sand excavation
Plateau State and much of the North-Central zone have seen a rise in artisanal and unregulated mining operations. These activities often take place in high-risk environments without the oversight of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development or the necessary safety protocols required for deep excavation.
Sand excavation, in particular, is frequently conducted in close proximity to riverbanks where the soil is naturally unstable. The combination of heavy excavation and the erosive nature of riverine terrain creates a high probability of sudden ground failure, often with fatal consequences for those working in the pits.
The involvement of troops in responding to the report suggests that the site may have been part of an area under heightened security monitoring due to the prevalence of illegal mining in the community. Such operations often lack the structural engineering required to prevent pit collapses, leaving workers vulnerable to landslides.
Local authorities and mining regulatory bodies have yet to release a formal statement regarding the identities of the deceased or the specific measures being implemented to secure the site. Investigations into the legality of the excavation and the exact cause of the collapse are expected to be conducted by relevant security agencies.
