By Stephen Ojo
Krestnews reports that a mining pit has collapsed in Galadima Kogo in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State where one person has been confirmed dead with 30 others trapped inside the pit.
Report from the mining site indicates that that the site manager, Alhaji Ibrahim Ishaku is suspected to be among those trapped while six others have been rescued alive.
The accident is said to be caused by the heavy rains on June 3,2024 which also made rescue efforts difficult.
In a statement confirming the accident in Minna on Tuesday, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency NSEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah said rescue efforts were further hampered by the difficult environment and banditry activities.
“NSEMA received a report of mining pit collapse at Galkogo village of Shiroro LGA.
The mine site belongs to a company named “African Minerals and logistics limited.” The cause of the collapsed was as a result of the rainfall impacts that soften the soil”, he said.
He further explained that rescuers have to run for their lives as the mine pit kept falling inside.
“Due to the unacceptable nature of that environment as a result of banditry, the information of the incident is very scanty, including rescue operations. Meanwhile, excavators have been deployed for the rescue operations”,he said.
However, a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said,
“one person has been confirmed dead, six people were rescued with severe injuries, while about 30 people including the site Manager, Alh Ibrahim Ishaku are still trapped as of yesterday being Monday, June 3”.