2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has expressed “deep sadness” following the “tragic” incident at a mining site in Zamfara State, where “about 100 people are feared dead”.
“15 miners” have been rescued already, and, “13 people sadly confirmed dead”.
The former Governor of Anambra State praised Governor Dauda Lawal and the rescue teams of the Northwestern State “for the efforts made so far”, as he expressed his “heartfelt” prayers and condolences to the bereaved families.
Obi said, Nigeria has reached the point where it has to “secure and properly” regulate its industry of solid minerals with “strict licensing and well-equipped rapid response systems”.
Obi reacted on X: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident at the Kadauri mining site in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State, where about 100 people are feared dead, with 15 miners already rescued and 13 people sadly confirmed dead.
“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.
“This unfortunate disaster is yet another reminder of the urgent need to secure and properly regulate our solid minerals industry with strict licensing, adherence to global safety standards, and well-equipped rapid response systems.
“The safety and transparency of operations of our mining sites must be prioritised so that tragedies like this are prevented in the future. I pray that many more are rescued alive and may the souls of those departed rest in perfect peace.”
