A tragic mining incident in Kano State has claimed the lives of three artisanal miners, while two others were left unconscious after inhaling toxic fumes inside a mining pit.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in Riruwai, Doguwa Local Government Area, when a water-pumping machine reportedly emitted fumes that filled the pit where the miners were working.
The victims were identified as Haruna Usaini and Yusha’u Sale, both natives of Dan Isa community in Rimin Gado Local Government Area, alongside another miner known simply as Danfuli from Daurawa in Doguwa LGA.
According to an eyewitness, Salisu Abdulhamid, the tragedy unfolded after heavy rainfall flooded the mining pit, forcing workers to suspend operations temporarily.
The following day, a pumping machine was introduced to drain the accumulated water, but it released fumes that quickly spread within the confined space.
“The pit had been flooded due to heavy rain the previous night. When workers returned, they brought in a machine to remove the water. Unfortunately, the fumes from the machine filled the pit, leading to the deaths of three miners, while two others collapsed,” he explained.
A grieving relative of one of the victims, Basiru Sale, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his younger brother, Yusha’u Sale, who had reportedly arrived in Doguwa just a week before the incident.
Related News:
NSCDC Arrests 10 Suspected Vandals, Thieves in Kano
Fire Outbreak Guts Kano Market, Destroys Shops, Offices
Kano Police Arrest Drug Suspects, Seize Tramadol, Cannabis
“He left home in search of work, and now we are receiving his body. We can only pray for his forgiveness,” he said.
Family sources confirmed that the deceased victims are to be buried in their hometown, Dan Isa community, on Thursday.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the safety conditions surrounding artisanal mining activities in parts of Kano State, particularly in Doguwa and neighbouring Tudun Wada, where many youths engage in informal mining operations.
Investigations reveal that several mining sites in the area operate without proper licensing or adherence to safety regulations.
During a recent inspection in June, a Kano State government delegation flagged widespread illegal mining and poor safety standards, leading to the shutdown of multiple unlicensed operations.
As of the time of this report, authorities, including the Kano State Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Police Command, have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and improved safety measures to protect vulnerable workers in the sector.
About The Author
