In a harrowing incident at a mining site in Galkogo Community, located in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, seven individuals have been successfully rescued while 30 others remain trapped under the debris, feared dead.
The calamity struck when a mining pit, owned by African Mineral and Logistics Ltd, collapsed on over 50 miners who were laboring at the site on Sunday night, following heavy rainfall.
According to an anonymous source familiar with the situation, “The pit caved in after a torrential rainfall on Sunday and several of the miners were buried underground.”
Tragically, among those trapped was Ibrahim Ishaku, the site manager of the mining company. Additionally, a middle-aged man identified as Kuta, the chief security officer to the mining company, lost his life while attempting to rescue victims.
Conflicting reports emerged regarding the number of casualties. Villagers recounted a chaotic scene where another section of the mining pit collapsed, prompting many to flee, leaving numerous miners behind.
A source informed Vanguard, “Because of the second pit that collapsed, it is suspected that no fewer than 30 of the miners must have been buried underground.”
Mallam Hussaini Ibrahim, the Public Relations Officer of Niger State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the incident, although precise casualty figures remained elusive.
Ibrahim stated, “The mine site belongs to a company named African Minerals and Logistics Limited, and the collapse was a result of the rainfall impacts that softened the soil.”
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, with excavators deployed to the scene. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, affirmed the government’s proactive response, stating, “Upon learning of the incident, we mobilised our Federal Mines Officer and officials of the Mines Inspectorate to the site.” In collaboration with the mining company, we have rescued seven victims, some with injuries. Rescue operations with excavators are ongoing to ensure we avert loss of lives.”
He assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to investigating the root causes of the tragedy to prevent future occurrences.
