Mining Accident in Niger State Leaves One Dead, 50 Trapped

A miner was killed, and no fewer than 50 others were trapped in a collapsed mining pit in Galkogo community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The mining site, owned by “African Minerals and Logistics Limited,” collapsed after heavy rainfall in the area. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, leaving one miner dead and about six others injured.

The site manager, Ibrahim Ishaku, is reported to be among the trapped, while the Chief Security Officer, identified as Kuta, died attempting to rescue victims.

Six people have been rescued and are receiving treatment at a local government health facility. However, during the manual rescue operation, another section of the mining pit collapsed, forcing rescuers to flee for their lives. As of Tuesday, all 50 miners remained trapped underground, raising fears that they might have perished.

Hussaini Ibrahim, the spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the incident, stating that information is still sketchy due to the area's insecurity from banditry. Despite these challenges, excavators have been deployed to assist in the rescue efforts.

In a related incident, six people were kidnapped on Sunday night following bandit attacks on Adogo Mallam village in the Mashegun local government area. Over 20 people were also kidnapped in Tunga Kawo village in the Erena ward of Shiroro local government, with hundreds of cows rustled.