At least, eight people have been confirmed dead after an illegal mining site collapsed in Jabaka, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident happened on Thursday morning, September 25, around 8 a.m., according to a post shared on Friday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to Makama, several miners were working inside the pit when it caved in, trapping many of them.

The Commander of the Anti-Illegal Mining Unit was said to have led a rescue team to the scene, where eight bodies were recovered and several injured victims pulled out.

Rescue operations are still ongoing, as more miners are believed to be trapped under the rubble.

The bodies and the injured have been taken to the General Hospital in Maru for autopsy and medical treatment.