By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

At least nine miners have died after a heavy downpour flooded a mining pit at Nahuta village, Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident occurred at about 9:45pm on September 26, 2026, while contracted miners were working at Pit 3 of the mining site. The heavy rainfall reportedly caused the pit to become flooded, trapping several workers underground.

One of the miners, identified as Abner, was reportedly electrocuted during the incident. He was rescued from the site and rushed to General Hospital Kashere in neighbouring Gombe State, where a medical doctor pronounced him dead.

Following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer in Alkaleri led a team of police personnel to the mining site to support rescue operations. The mining company also deployed three water pumps to evacuate the floodwater and create access to the trapped workers.

After concerted rescue efforts involving the police and local vigilantes, eight additional victims were recovered at about 11:20am on September 27. The victims were taken to General Hospital Kashere, where they were pronounced dead by medical doctors.

The deceased were identified as Hamidu Ali, 40, and Saidu Abubakar, 29, both from Nasarawa State; Olije Abdulrazak, 25, from Kogi State; Musa Abdullahi, 29, and Abdulrahman Muazu, 23, from Bauchi State; Jafar Abbas, 24; Jose Ukese, 28, from Nasarawa State; and Haruna Alkali, 30, from Kebbi State. The remains were released to their relatives for burial according to their respective religious rites.

The Bauchi State Police Command said investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Preliminary findings indicated that the mining company was duly registered and licensed, while investigators are expected to determine whether adequate safety measures were in place when the pit was flooded.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers associated with mining operations during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly where workers operate in deep pits and underground locations. It also underscores the importance of effective drainage systems, emergency response arrangements and strict compliance with mine safety regulations to protect workers from avoidable disasters.