South Sudanese refugee killed in Terego illegal gold mine collapse

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An illegal mining site has collapsed in Terego district, leaving a South Sudanese refugee dead.

The deceased has been identified as a 35-year-old woman, Nema Onyiyo, a Keliko by tribe and a South Sudanese refugee from Village 12, Zone One, Imvepi Refugee Settlement, Odupi subcounty, Terego district.

Asea Collins, the Police Spokesperson for West Nile, revealed that on the morning of 19th September (yesterday), the deceased left home accompanied by a female colleague identified as 35-year-old Lilious Pasi, also a Keliko by tribe and a South Sudanese refugee from Village 2, Zone One, Point J, Imvepi Refugee Settlement, in Odupi subcounty, Terego district.

The two proceeded to an illegal mining site along the Ure River.

Shortly after, nearby residents heard cries for help coming from the area. They promptly responded and found that the two women had been buried in the soil.

The police were immediately notified and responded swiftly to the scene.

The survivor was rescued and transported to Yinga Health Centre III for treatment, while the deceased’s body was recovered and taken to Arua Regional Hospital for postmortem examination.

Despite a ban on illegal mining activities in the area by the authorities, residents continue to engage in the practice.

Many refugee women, facing food shortages and lacking support due to aid cuts, are compelled to engage in illegal mining to sustain their families.

It has been observed that vulnerable women and children are predominantly involved in these activities.