Seven miners died on Wednesday evening after a mining pit collapsed on them at a mining site in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The mining site often attracts local miners, including men and women from Kassa and neighbouring communities. The incident occurred at about 7 pm while the victims were carrying out mining activities at the site, throwing the community into mourning. The incident occurred more than five months after a similar tragedy claimed the lives of 37 miners in Kampani Zurak, Wase LGA of the state. The incident raised concerns among Nigerians and officials over poor compliance with safety measures and weak regulation of mining activities in the state. Refineries will work again – Tinubu ‘We will campaign against exploitation of young Nigerians during elections’ The latest tragedy occurred despite the state government’s ban on mining activities, which was imposed as part of efforts to prevent recurring fatal incidents and address security concerns linked to mining. Eyewitnesses said seven miners died in the incident, while others sustained injuries. A resident of the community, Albert Danlami, said the incident occurred when the pit suddenly collapsed on the miners, trapping them underground. He described the incident as devastating, adding that residents and fellow miners immediately launched a rescue operation. “The victims were trapped underground following the collapse, prompting residents and other miners to commence efforts to recover them. The incident caused panic. People rushed to the scene immediately to assist. “The miners had been working at the site before the earth suddenly caved in on them. Some people were also injured following the collapse,” he said. Another resident, Timothy Bako, expressed concern over the incident, describing the deaths as heartbreaking. “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,” he said. Another resident, who asked not to be named, expressed similar concerns. “Every time we hear this kind of news. People are digging with bare hands and without support. We need government and mining experts to help prevent this from happening again,” he said. Community leaders urged the Plateau State Government and relevant agencies to provide immediate support to the bereaved families and enforce stronger safety regulations at mining sites across the local government area. The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos. Tengwong said efforts were made to rescue the miners, but they were found dead when they were eventually brought out. Rep seeks tighter mining safety measures The member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Fom Dalyop Chollom, called for stricter enforcement of safety standards and regulations in mining communities following the death of seven miners in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Chollom, in a condolence message on the tragedy, expressed sadness over the incident. He condoled with the bereaved families, relatives and the entire Kassa community over the loss of lives. The lawmaker said the tragedy was a painful reminder of the dangers associated with mining activities and the need for operators to adhere strictly to safety standards and responsible mining practices. “The loss of these lives is a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with mining activities and the urgent need to ensure that appropriate safety standards, regulatory measures and responsible mining practices are strictly observed,” he said. Chollom urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in mining communities to prevent a recurrence. He also called on the authorities to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of residents in mining communities, stressing that stronger regulatory oversight was necessary to protect lives. “I call on the relevant authorities and stakeholders to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in mining communities, while ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of our people remain paramount,” he said. The lawmaker expressed sympathy with the affected families and said his thoughts and prayers were with them and the entire community at this difficult moment. He prayed to God to grant the bereaved families the strength and fortitude to bear the loss and grant eternal rest to the deceased. Recent mining incidents raise fresh safety concerns Daily Trust recalled that 37 miners were killed at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a carbon monoxide leak on February 18, 2026. More than 20 other miners sustained injuries in the inc
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