By Muhammad Tanko
Three local miners were killed in a landslide at the Bakin Bundiga tin mining site in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Wednesday.
Eyewitness Dantala Sani confirmed the tragedy on Thursday.
He recounted that the miners were navigating a newly dug tunnel when a section of heavy mud collapsed, trapping them around 2 p.m.
“Three of our colleagues were inside the hole,” Sani said. “Suddenly, a heap of mud gave way, burying them instantly. Two died immediately, while the third passed away around 2 a.m. during rescue attempts.”
Sani described desperate efforts to save Zubairu Muhammad, one of the trapped men.
“We tried to pull him out. He was conscious, crying and begging us to care for his children,” Sani lamented. “He remained trapped from 2 p.m. until he succumbed around 10 a.m. Thursday. He suffered greatly, simply trying to earn a lawful living.”
He said late Zubairu Muhammad left behind his wife and three children, Abdurasheed Adamu, survived by a wife and five children, while Abdurahaman Dan’asabe, was single.
Sani added that five other miners narrowly escaped being caught in the collapse.
