By Aliu Akeem
A tragic mining site collapse in Plateau State has left at least 13 young people dead, authorities confirmed on Monday, November 11. The incident took place on Saturday, November 9, in the Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, where young miners were attempting to make a living amidst economic challenges. The collapse, which struck at a mining location near the borders of Bassa, Jos South, and Jos North LGAs, has left the community in shock and mourning.
The chairman of Bassa LGA, Joshua Riti, confirmed the news, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life. “This is an unfortunate incident, these young people were only out in search of a means of livelihood,” Mr. Riti stated.
Insight on The Incident
The incident took place in a region marked by economic difficulty, pushing many young Nigerians to seek employment in mining despite the risks associated with the industry.
This latest mining disaster in Bassa follows similar incidents across the country, with some miners previously dying under similar circumstances. This occurrence in Plateau State closely mirrors an incident in Niger State just a few months ago, where around 30 miners lost their lives after a collapse attributed to heavy rainfall.
In addressing the press, Mr. Riti expressed his condolences to the families affected by the incident, acknowledging the plight of young Nigerians driven to seek survival through any available means. “They went out to put their energies to good use to sustain and meet up with the current economic hardship in the country but met their untimely death,” he said. He noted that seven of the deceased were from Bassa LGA, a community now reeling from the impact of the accident.
The collapse occurred near a border area with Bassa, Jos South, and Jos North LGAs, adding logistical challenges for rescue operations and necessitating coordination across several jurisdictions. Authorities have yet to provide an official death toll, but local sources confirmed the number of casualties had reached 13 by Monday.
The mining site, commonly used by locals in search of valuable resources, remains under assessment as the government reviews safety measures and assistance options for affected families.
Safety and Economic Hardship Fuel Youth Migration to Mining
Mining in Nigeria remains a vital but perilous occupation for many young individuals, particularly in regions where other employment opportunities are limited. In recent years, Nigeria has experienced a rise in mining-related accidents, as unregulated mining operations expose workers to significant dangers without adequate safety protocols.
According to mining experts, the lack of safety standards, combined with unregulated practices, often places young miners at risk of fatal accidents in pursuit of economic survival.
Mr. Riti urged authorities to address the persistent safety concerns in Nigeria’s informal mining industry, which has attracted young people unable to find secure employment in other sectors. Mining accidents have become all too frequent in Nigeria, with multiple incidents over the past year drawing attention to the vulnerabilities in this sector.
The tragedy in Bassa underscores the urgent need for regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s mining industry, where workers frequently operate under unsafe conditions. The Nigerian government has pledged support for the families affected by recent mining accidents, but calls for stricter safety enforcement and adequate training for miners continue to grow. Local community members in Plateau are now calling on government agencies to implement regulations that could prevent such incidents in the future.
