Rights group, Renevlyn Development Initiative, RDI, has described the tragedy of mine collapse in Adamawa State as the work of Chinese exploiters and local collaborators, whose actions do not include the welfare of underage miners and the communities.

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In a statement, Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of RDI, said the tragedy was “one too many”.

Recall that no fewer than 22 miners are feared dead following the collapse of a mining pit at an illegal mining site in a national game reserve spanning Taraba and Adamawa states.

The victims were said to be mining gold in the Buffa zone within the Park, when the pit caved in.

RDI cries foul, calls for investigation

Reacting, RDI Executive Director said: “The mine collapse incident and needless deaths in the national game reserve area spanning Gashaka and Toungo LGAs in Taraba and Adamawa states, respectively, is one incident too many.

“A few months ago it was Shiroro in Niger State.

“We have said it time and again that proper oversight functions in communities where solid minerals are extracted is practically nil.

“Unregulated mining perpetrated by foreign nationals, especially the Chinese and their local collaborators, is responsible for a growing number of deaths of school age children.

“It is unacceptable.

“We call on the government to investigate this incident and bring the operators of the illegal mines to book.”