anic has gripped Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State after seven miners lost their lives when a mining pit collapsed on them while they were working at the site.
The incident occurred at about 7pm on Wednesday, according to residents in Jos on Thursday.
The miners were reportedly actively working at the mining site when the ground suddenly gave way, trapping them underground and triggering a frantic rescue effort by residents and fellow miners.
A community member, Albert Danlami, explained that the victims became trapped following the collapse, as residents and other miners immediately mobilised to recover them.
“The victims were trapped underground following the collapse, prompting residents and other miners to commence efforts to recover them,” he told PUNCH.
The incident caused panic in the community as residents rushed to the mining site following the collapse.
“The miners had been working at the site before the earth suddenly caved in on them. “some persons were injured following the collapse.”
The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Rwang Tengwong, corroborated the account, telling our correspondent that “seven miners lost their lives in the incident, adding that the victims were at the mining site when the pit collapsed.”
He added, “Efforts were made to rescue the miners after the incident, but they were found dead.”
The deaths have thrown Kassa community into mourning, with residents expressing grief over the loss of the miners and raising fresh concerns about the safety conditions at mining sites in the area.
A community member, Timothy Bako, described the deaths as devastating and called for urgent government intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
He said, “We are heartbroken. These are young men who went to work to feed their families. The pit was too deep and there were no safety measures. Government must come and regulate these mining sites before more lives are lost.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, also expressed frustration over the recurring dangers associated with mining activities in the community.
The resident said, “Every time we hear this kind of news. People are digging with bare hands and no support. We need help from government and mining experts to prevent this from happening again.”
The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger regulation of mining activities in Barkin Ladi, particularly the enforcement of safety standards at mining sites.
Community leaders are also urging the Plateau State Government and relevant regulatory agencies to provide immediate support to the bereaved families and take urgent measures to prevent similar disasters.
Residents said government intervention was necessary to ensure that miners are not exposed to unsafe working conditions and that mining operators comply with established safety requirements.
With seven lives lost in the latest collapse, the incident has heightened fears among residents over the dangers confronting miners operating in the community and surrounding areas.