Following the collapse of a mining facility in Plateau State’s Bassa Local Government Area (LGA), at least 13 persons have lost their lives.
The collapse happened last Saturday at a location close to the borders of Bassa, Jos South, and Jos North LGAs, according to Dr. Joshua Riti, the Chairman of Bassa LGA, who verified the unfortunate event to the media on Monday.
Seven of the victims were from Bassa LGA. Dr. Riti conveyed his profound sadness for the loss, emphasising that the victims were young people, primarily in the 18–30 age range, who were looking for a way to support themselves in order to deal with the nation’s current financial difficulties.
“This situation is regrettable. Tragically, these young people lost their lives while attempting to live honourable lives,” Riti remarked.
He emphasised the difficult circumstances that many young people in Nigeria confront and offered his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
The collapse of the mining site has raised questions about the safety of the area’s informal mining operations, which are frequently conducted without proper rules or safeguards.
