Dozens of gold miners are currently trapped underground following a collapse in central Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Monday amidst heavy rainfall in Niger state, but news dissemination was delayed due to the country’s ongoing general strike, which ended on Tuesday.
According to Hussaini Ibrahim, a spokesman for the Niger state emergency service agency, the collapse has resulted in one person confirmed dead, while over 30 people are believed to remain trapped as rescue operations persist.
Officials attribute the collapse to the effects of torrential rains, which softened the soil, leading to the pit’s structural failure.
Ibrahim stated, “As of this morning [Wednesday], we believe over 30 people are still trapped; we can’t provide exact figures because even those at the site were uncertain.” He added that six individuals were rescued and hospitalized.
Rescue efforts involve four excavators and a team of rescue workers working tirelessly at the scene.
Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, assured that Mines Inspectorate officials have been dispatched to the Galadima Kogo mining site.
He pledged an investigation into the incident to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
Niger state has seen heightened criminal activity by gangs involved in kidnapping for ransom.
Last year, mining operations were halted in the Shiroro area, including neighboring districts, due to security concerns.
Ibrahim mentioned increased security measures to protect rescue workers from potential abductions.
Mining accidents are relatively common in Nigeria, especially among illegal miners, often going unreported.
In a related incident in January, an explosion in Ibadan, which resulted in two deaths and 77 injuries, was linked to explosives stored by illegal miners, as announced by the Oyo state government.
Source-BBC
