Four Dead in Mining Pit Collapse as Plateau State Mourns Journalist

JOS, Nigeria – Plateau State was struck by two separate tragedies on Tuesday, Sept. 23, as four people died in a mining pit collapse involving suspected illegal miners, while the journalism community mourned the death of Radio France Internationale (RFI) correspondent Tasi'u Zakari, who passed away the same morning in Jos, according to Premium Times.

Mining Pit Collapse Claims Four Lives

Four people died after a sand excavation pit collapsed in Plateau State, Premium Times reported Tuesday. Military troops responded to the scene following reports of the incident, which occurred along a river in the affected community.

According to a statement attributed to Mr. Makama, troops were alerted to the collapse of a sand excavation pit involving suspected illegal miners operating along a riverbank. The nature of illegal artisanal mining operations in the region has long raised safety concerns, as workers frequently dig unsupported pits without adherence to standard safety protocols.

The military's involvement in the response underscores the security dimensions of illegal mining activity in Plateau State, a region with a significant history of artisanal and small-scale mining. Premium Times did not provide additional details on the specific community where the collapse occurred or whether any survivors were recovered from the site.

RFI Correspondent Dies in Jos

Separately, the Nigerian journalism community received news of the death of Tasi'u Zakari, a correspondent for Radio France Internationale, who died Tuesday morning at Sauki Hospital in Jos, located behind the Plateau State House of Assembly, Premium Times reported.

Former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-makura was among those who publicly mourned Zakari's passing, according to the report. Other unnamed individuals also joined in expressing condolences following the journalist's death. Premium Times did not specify the cause of death or provide further details on Zakari's career and body of work.

A Difficult Day for Plateau State

The two incidents cast a shadow over Plateau State on Tuesday, highlighting the range of challenges facing the north-central Nigerian state – from the dangers of unregulated extractive activity to the loss of a media professional who served as a key information bridge between Nigeria and international audiences through RFI.

The available context from Premium Times does not provide further details on government responses to either incident, ongoing investigations into the mining collapse, or the full circumstances surrounding Zakari's death. EME will continue to monitor developments as more information becomes available.

*Sources: Premium Times Nigeria, Sept. 23, 2026.*