Tragedy Strikes Again: Rayfield Mining Pit Collapse Claims Lives and Equipment in Jos South LGA

Jos, Plateau State – The once-bustling mining site in the Rayfield area of Jos South Local Government Area now stands eerily quiet after a devastating pit collapse on Thursday morning. The incident buried heavy machinery, including an excavator and a pay loader, while trapping several miners under the rubble.  

Despite frantic rescue efforts by fellow miners, four individuals were pulled from the debris, though their current conditions remain unknown. The mine, reportedly owned by an individual identified as Bus, allegedly operates without proper safety measures despite holding a license from the Federal Ministry of Mines.  

Local sources revealed that women at the site were warned against mourning, as it is considered a bad omen among miners. Many workers, driven by unemployment and desperation, risk their lives daily to provide for their families.  

"We only came here to earn a living, but now we’re trapped by the same struggle,"* lamented one miner.  

This marks the second collapse at the site in just one week, raising serious concerns over safety violations in Plateau’s mining sector. Despite the state government’s ban on artisanal mining and issuance of over 100 licenses to companies, enforcement of safety regulations remains weak, leading to frequent accidents and environmental damage.  

Authorities have yet to comment on the latest incident, leaving miners and residents demanding stricter oversight to prevent further tragedies.  

(  Timescope News)