Three dead, others unconscious in Kano mining pit accidents
Three Miners Killed in Kano State Incident
Three artisanal miners died, and two others lost consciousness in a mining accident in Riruwai, located in the Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State. The incident occurred Wednesday when fumes from a water-pumping machine filled a mining pit where the workers were operating.
The deceased have been identified as Haruna Usaini and Yusha’u Sale, both from the Dan Isa community in Rimin Gado Local Government Area, along with a third miner known only as Danfuli from Daurawa in Doguwa LGA.
Eyewitness Salisu Abdulhamid reported that the incident transpired after workers were attempting to drain water that had accumulated in the pit due to heavy rainfall. “The previous night’s heavy rain flooded the mining pit, prompting a suspension of work. A new water-pumping machine was introduced the following day to remove the water. Unfortunately, it emitted fumes that filled the pit, leading to the fatalities,” Abdulhamid explained.
Basiru Sale, a relative of one of the victims, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his younger brother, Yusha’u. “He had traveled to Doguwa for this mining work just seven days ago. The last time I saw him was before he left, and now it is his body that has been brought back,” he said.
Family members confirmed that Haruna Usaini and Yusha’u Sale are scheduled to be buried on Thursday in the Dan Isa community.
This incident has reignited concerns regarding safety practices in artisanal mining operations within Doguwa and nearby Tudun Wada Local Government Areas, where numerous youths from across Kano State seek employment opportunities.
Reports from DAILY POST reveal that many mining sites in the region are functioning without the necessary licenses. A June inspection by a Kano State government delegation highlighted the prevalence of illegal mining activities and the lack of adequate safety standards. The team subsequently closed several companies operating unlawfully.
As of this report, neither the Kano State Ministry of Solid Minerals nor the Kano State Police Command has released a statement addressing the incident.