By Olatunbosun Obafemi
A miner identified as Adam Bahago, also known as Peter, was killed on Saturday, June 29, after a rock collapsed on him at a mining site in the Kabusa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The site is operated by Inhui Mining Company.
The fatal incident occurred at around 3:20 p.m. while Bahago, a member of the Koro ethnic group from Kaduna State, was excavating. According to eyewitnesses and site officials, a large section of rock suddenly broke off and struck him on the head. The site manager, Brown Ekelechi John, confirmed that Bahago sustained multiple injuries and was immediately rushed to Asokoro General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
His body has since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary, and his family has been officially notified, according to reports by security analyst Zagazola Makama.
Preliminary investigations point to structural weakness in the rock formation as the likely cause of the collapse. The tragic incident has once again spotlighted concerns over safety measures—or the lack thereof—at both artisanal and commercial mining operations within the FCT.
Mining, both regulated and informal, remains widespread in parts of Abuja, particularly in semi-urban and underdeveloped residential areas like Kabusa. Activists and community leaders have renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety regulations to protect workers, many of whom operate in hazardous conditions with limited oversight.
Authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the incident, and pressure is mounting for mining firms to prioritize safety in their operations.
