By Adamu IMAM Bauchi
Residents of Gudum Sayawa in Bauchi state have appealed to the federal and state governments to provide them with alternative sources of livelihoods as unregulated mining has led to loss of 4 lives and 2 two others sustained various degree of injuries in the mining site 800 meters away from the community.
Gudum Sayawa is an area situated in a suburb of Bauchi metropolis and mostly populated by an agrarian people.
Reacting to the recent where four people gave up at a mining site, a community leader Daniel Iliya, who is the Galadima of Gudum sayawa confirmed the incident while disclosing the situation to anatarenews, described the incident as horrible.
"We need government to come and Assess the mining site to see if it is safe for artisanal miners to work there, so we don’t lose our villagers again, If that is done, it will reduce the risks associated with mining operations"
According to them, the removal of fuel subsidy compelled them to engage in unregulated mining activities in the area which has led to the death of 4 people with several others down receiving treatment
Family members of affected victims also shared their thoughts, saying the current high cost of living necessitated their actions to jump into mining activities as a means of survival, since the fuel price is no longer stable which affect their business struggle for daily bread
Jonah Saraki and Mary Jonah a Victim parents shared their thoughts describing the incident as worrisome despite fetching income to the immediate family to reduce the high cost of living currently in the country
"We cautioned some of them at the site to be on alert so that if they sense any danger, they can leave immediately.
Mining is helping us a lot, because some of our people have started reaping the benefits through several means as those who barely afford food can now do so.
"We and our children go to the mining site and dig for precious stones. since the cost of living has shot up, we have no choice, our husbands cannot afford to foot our bills anymore leaving us with no choice"
Saraya Audu a miner and mother of many children who was among the early discovery of the monoxide at the mining site, narrate her experience
"after discovering the mine site, our people shifted to mining immediately. I joined them last year, but while working at the site, I got fractured,
the proceeds from mining is helping us and our family members, especially some of us that have plenty children"
At the mining site and separation area, operators said at least 100 people go there on a daily basis to mine different minerals, such as monoxide, zaicon and other precious stones for transaction with other business communities as source of income.