Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged immediate reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry, emphasising the protection of human lives above all else.
Obi made this known in a post on his verified X handle on Sunday while reacting to the deadly mining pit collapse in Kadauri community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where dozens of artisanal miners were feared killed.
He described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the pressing need to regulate mining activities nationwide through strict licensing, compliance with global safety procedures, and the creation of effective rapid response systems.
“I AM DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE TRAGIC INCIDENT AT THE KADAURI MINING SITE IN MARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ZAMFARA STATE, WHERE LIVES WERE LOST,” OBI WROTE.
“My heartfelt prayers and condolences go to the bereaved families and to the good people of Zamfara at this difficult time. I commend the Governor and the State rescue teams for the efforts made so far. The lives of our citizens must remain our most valuable resource and must be protected at all costs.”
He also called on the government to give priority to accountability and safety in mining operations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The collapse, which happened on Thursday night, has once again highlighted the risks of poorly regulated mining in Zamfara, where artisanal practices persist despite repeated warnings and rising casualties.
