One worker has been confirmed dead, while five others were trapped on Tuesday evening after a section of a private rice mill collapsed in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.
Rescue efforts were still ongoing as emergency responders worked to reach the victims buried under metal parts and debris from the collapsed structure.
The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, visited the scene with a government delegation to assess the situation and oversee the rescue operation.
“We are here to first assess the situation and, more importantly, to ensure that every possible effort is made to rescue those still trapped. The safety of workers is paramount, and the government will remain fully engaged until this operation is concluded,” Tafida said.
The state government described the incident as tragic and expressed sympathy with the management and workers of NIA-AGRI, the owners of the rice mill.
A project engineer at the site told officials that one staff member died instantly when the structure collapsed, while five others were believed to be trapped beneath the rubble as of Tuesday night.
A joint rescue team made up of the Kebbi State Fire Service and other emergency agencies was deployed to the area, using heavy equipment to carefully remove debris in search of survivors.
A senior emergency official said the operation was being carried out cautiously to prevent further casualties.
“The rescue operation is delicate, but our teams are doing everything possible to reach those trapped without causing further harm,” the official said.
The cause of the collapse has not yet been determined. Tafida said a full investigation would be conducted after the rescue operation to establish what led to the incident and how similar occurrences could be prevented.
Rice milling is a key part of Kebbi State’s agro-industrial activities, with several private mills operating across the state and providing employment for many residents.
The deputy governor assured that the state government would support the affected families and provide necessary assistance.
“We pray for the safety of those still trapped and extend our condolences to the family of the deceased,” he said.
