Three artisanal miners have died while two others lost consciousness following a mining incident in Riruwai, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday after fumes from a water-pumping machine reportedly filled a mining pit where the victims were working.
The deceased were identified as Haruna Usaini and Yusha’u Sale, both from Dan Isa community in Rimin Gado Local Government Area, and another miner identified simply as Danfuli from Daurawa in Doguwa LGA.
Speaking to DAILY POST, an eyewitness, Salisu Abdulhamid, said the tragedy happened after workers attempted to drain water that had accumulated in the pit following heavy rainfall.
“Heavy rain fell the previous night and the mining pit became flooded, so work was suspended. The following day, a new water-pumping machine was brought in to remove the water before work could resume. The machine emitted fumes that filled the pit. The fumes caused the deaths of three people, while two others collapsed. Those who died included Yusha’u and another man from Daurawa,” he said.
A relative of one of the victims, Basiru Sale, said the family was in deep grief over the loss of his younger brother, Yusha’u Sale.
“He was my younger brother from the same parents. We can only pray that Allah forgives him. He had travelled to Doguwa for this mining work just seven days ago. The last time I saw him alive was before he left, and now it is his body that has been brought back,” he said tearfully.
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