No fewer tham six people have reportedly died and many severely injured owing to a mining pit which collapsed on Tuesday, December 17 at Zawan Community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that no fewer than 50 people were reportedly inside the mining pit when the pit collapsed on these people.
This sad incident has been confirmed in a statement released by Plateau state lawmaker representing Jos South Constituency4 in the State House of Assembly, Mr. Gwottson Fom on Wednesday, December 18
He said the victims (aged from 20 to 27) were carrying out an illegal activity when the mining pit collapse.
“We know that these young persons died carrying out an illegal activity but it is obvious unemployment led them into doing it.
“People go out of their way to do things considered illegal just to fend for themselves and their families.
“This is not time to apportion blames but it is sad and unfortunate that a community will lose six youths in a day,’’ he said.
Fom also issued a warning to illegal miners to desist from the act, or if they must engage in it they must be licensed to do it
“If people must engage in mining activities, they should do it the right way. They must ensure they are licensed to do it,’’ he advised.