The death toll from the explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 25 as more bodies were recovered on Sunday.
An unspecified number of people remain critically injured and are receiving treatment in hospitals in New Bussa. Many others, including women and children, are still missing, with search and rescue efforts ongoing.
The explosion, which occurred early Sunday morning, caused widespread destruction, reducing over half of the village’s homes and shops to rubble. The incident sent shockwaves through Sabon Pegi and nearby communities, including New Bussa, leaving residents scrambling for safety.
According to local sources, the blast may have been caused by the improper storage of explosives used for mining operations. The devices were reportedly stored in a shop near the mining site, owned by a man identified as Yushau, who has since fled the area.
A community resident, speaking anonymously, to The SUN said, “The explosion happened just as the miners resumed work in the morning. Everyone thought it was the hydroelectric dam in New Bussa because the sound was so loud. Later, we learned it was from the mining site.”
The resident dismissed suspicions of terrorist involvement, adding, “The explosion was caused by the mishandling of explosives used by the mining company. While the area has a history of terrorist activities, this was not related.”
The military has cordoned off the site as the search for more bodies continues. Villagers have been hesitant to approach the area, fearing further explosions.
A source close to the incident said, “People are afraid to go near the scene because we don’t know if more explosions might happen.”
At the time of this report, neither the Niger State government nor the state police command has issued a statement on the incident.
This tragedy comes just days after a fuel tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area, claimed over 100 lives and left 69 others injured, marking another devastating event for Niger State.
