By John Ikani
A horrifying incident in central Nigeria has left a community grappling with loss and a desperate rescue effort. On Monday, heavy rainfall in Niger State caused a gold mine pit to collapse, trapping dozens of miners underground.
The incident occurred on Monday in Niger State, but news of the disaster was delayed due to the recent nationwide strike.
According to Hussaini Ibrahim, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Service Agency, heavy rainfall is believed to have softened the soil, triggering the collapse.
Sadly, one person has been confirmed dead, while rescue efforts continue for the estimated 30 miners still trapped.
“Determining the exact number of individuals trapped is challenging,” Ibrahim acknowledged, “as even those on-site lacked precise figures.”
Fortunately, six miners were successfully rescued and rushed to receive medical attention.
Four excavators and a team of rescue workers are currently on the scene, battling to free those still buried.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, confirmed that officials from the Mines Inspectorate have been dispatched to the mining site in Galadima Kogo.
He released a statement assuring the public, “We will conduct a thorough investigation to understand the cause of this disaster. Our purpose is to prevent similar tragedies and guarantee the safety of all Nigerians.”
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The mining location, Niger State, is unfortunately known for criminal activity, with gangs engaging in kidnappings for ransom.
Last year, authorities imposed a ban on mining activities in the Shiroro area, where the collapse occurred, due to safety concerns and rising insecurity.
State officials have assured enhanced security measures to protect rescue workers from potential abduction attempts.
Mining accidents are a recurring problem in Nigeria, with many involving undocumented miners. Earlier this year, a deadly explosion rocked Ibadan, killing two individuals and injuring over 70 others.
The Oyo State Government attributed the blast to explosives stored by illegal miners.
