13 killed as mining site collapses in Plateau State

A mining site collapse in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State has claimed the lives of no fewer than 13 people.

Dr. Joshua Riti, Chairman of Bassa LGA, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Jos on Monday.

Riti, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss, revealed that the collapse occurred last Saturday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the mining site lies at the boundaries of Bassa, Jos South, and Jos North LGAs.

The Chairman noted that seven of the deceased were from Bassa LGA.

He extended his condolences to the affected families and called for increased safety measures at mining sites to prevent future tragedies.

“This is an unfortunate incident, these young people were only out in search of a means of livelihood.

“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,” he said.

NAN also reports that most of the deceased were youths between 18 and 30 years old.