Seven miners have died after a mining pit collapsed at Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 7pm on Wednesday while the miners were working at the site, according to residents who spoke with The PUNCH in Jos on Thursday.
A community member, Albert Danlami, said the miners were trapped underground when the earth suddenly caved in. Residents and fellow miners immediately launched rescue efforts, but the victims were later found dead. Some people were also reportedly injured in the collapse.
The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed that seven miners lost their lives, adding that they were at the mining site when the pit collapsed.
The deaths have plunged Kassa community into mourning, with residents calling for urgent government intervention and improved safety standards at mining sites.
Community member Timothy Bako said the victims were young men who had gone to work to support their families. He alleged that the mining pit lacked adequate safety measures and called for stronger regulation of mining activities.
Another resident, who requested anonymity, also expressed concern about unsafe mining practices and appealed for assistance from government authorities and mining experts.
Community leaders are urging the Plateau State Government and relevant agencies to support the bereaved families and enforce stronger safety regulations across mining sites in the area.
