At least nine miners have died after heavy rainfall flooded a mining pit at Zurfi Mining Company in Nahuta village, Gwana District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9:45 p.m. on September 26 while contracted miners were working at Pit 3 of the mining site.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident in a post on X, saying the downpour caused the mining pit to flood and trapped several workers underground.
The Bauchi State Police Command said one of the miners, identified as Abner, was electrocuted during the incident. He was rescued and taken to General Hospital Kashere in neighbouring Gombe State, where a doctor confirmed him dead.
Following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer in Alkaleri led police personnel to the mining site to assist with rescue operations.
The mining company also provided three water pumps to drain the flooded pit and create access for the trapped miners.
After rescue efforts involving the police and local vigilantes, eight more victims were recovered at about 11:20 a.m. on September 27.
The eight miners were taken to General Hospital Kashere, where medical doctors pronounced them dead.
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The deceased were identified as Hamidu Ali, 40, and Saidu Abubakar, 29, both from Nasarawa State; Olije Abdulrazak, 25, from Kogi State; Musa Abdullahi, 29, Abdulrahman Muazu, 23, and Jafar Abbas, 24, from Bauchi State; Jose Ukese, 28, from Nasarawa State; and Haruna Alkali, 30, from Kebbi State.
Police said post-mortem examinations were conducted before the remains were released to their families for burial according to their respective religious traditions.
The command said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Preliminary findings showed that the mining company was registered and licensed. However, investigators are expected to establish whether adequate safety measures were in place at the site before the pit was flooded.
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