Four illegal miners killed as mining pit collapses in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Four persons have died following the collapse of a sand excavation pit at Tangur Community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, when troops of Sector 5, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), Bokkos, responded to a report of a sand collapse involving suspected illegal miners along a river line in the community.
The troops visited the scene and confirmed that four victims had died as a result of the collapse.
The deceased were identified as Mallam Fahad Aliyu and three other women whose identities were not immediately established.
The bodies were recovered by their relatives for burial rites.
During preliminary inquiries, troops engaged the community leader over the incident.
The community leader reportedly told the troops that he was not aware of the illegal mining activities taking place in the area.
Further investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the extent of illegal mining activities at the location.
