By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic collapse of a gold mining pit in Kadauri, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where dozens are feared dead and many miners remain trapped underground.
In a statement released on Sunday on his X handle, Atiku extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and affected communities, describing the incident as a national tragedy that highlights long-standing failures in Nigeria’s mining sector.
“It is with profound sorrow that I learnt of the devastating collapse… Your pain is our pain. We mourn with you, and we pray for strength and solace in this dark hour,” he stated.
He also commended the rescue teams, local volunteers, and medical personnel who are working under hazardous conditions to recover survivors and treat the injured. “May God grant them safety and success in their efforts,” he added.
Atiku used the occasion to highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform in Nigeria’s mining industry, particularly in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, where unsafe practices and poor regulation have contributed to frequent disasters.
“This disaster underscores, yet again, the urgent need for Nigeria to confront the underlying failures in enforcement, regulation, and oversight in the mining sector,” he said.
He called for stricter monitoring, improved health and safety standards, and better support for miners, including training, protective equipment, and safer working conditions. He also emphasized the importance of having well-coordinated and adequately resourced emergency response systems to handle such incidents more effectively.
Atiku urged the federal government, Zamfara State authorities, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, and other relevant agencies to act swiftly — not only to rescue those still trapped but also to implement long-term solutions to prevent future tragedies.
“The task at hand is to rescue those still trapped, provide immediate relief to victims and their families, and ensure that lessons are learnt,” he concluded.
