At least 13 people have been reported dead following the collapse of a mining site in Bassa LGA of Plateau State.
Joshua Riti, the chairman of the local government area, confirmed that the incident occurred on November 10. He further noted that seven of the deceased were from Bassa LGA.
The collapsed mining site is located near the boundaries of Jos South and Jos North LGAs.
“This is an unfortunate incident. These young people were only out in search of a means of livelihood,” NAN quoted Riti as saying.
“They went out to put their energies to good use to sustain and meet up with the current economic hardship in the country but met their untimely death.
“I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
The majority of the victims were reported to be between the ages of 18 and 30.
Mining accidents have become a recurring issue in resource-rich Nigeria.
In June, a mining site collapsed in Niger State after a heavy downpour, with seven people eventually rescued.
Earlier in January, two people were killed and 77 injured in Ibadan, Oyo State, due to the activities of “illegal miners.”