One person has been confirmed dead, six seriously injured and 30 trapped when a mine site collapsed in Galkogo village of Shiroro local government area of Niger State.
The site is said to belong to African Minerals and Logistics Limited.
The Manager of the site, Alhaji Ibrahim Ishaku, was also said to be trapped in the mine pit.
The Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), which confirmed the report, said the mine pit collapsed because of the rainfall impacts that softened the soil.
NSEMA said those who attempted to rescue the trapped in the pit had to run for their lives because the mine kept falling, adding they were able to rescue six people with severe injuries.
NSEMA Director General Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah said due to insecurity bedeviling the environment, information on the incident was very scanty.
He said rescue operations and excavators have been deployed to the scene.
Also, a statement by Segun Tomori, the media aide to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake in Abuja on Tuesday said Federal Government’s swift action underscores its commitment to mitigating the adverse impact of the incident and rescuing those still trapped in the rubble.
The statement reads: “Upon learning of the incident, we mobilised our Federal Mines Officer (FMO) and officials of the Mines Inspectorate to the site. In collaboration with the mining company, we have rescued seven victims, some with injuries. Rescue operations with excavators are ongoing to ensure we avert loss of lives.”
The Minister recently announced a policy making remedial measures for mining pits mandatory as part of the criteria for applying for mining licenses. This aims to minimize such accidents.
The statement further noted that the Minister is actively monitoring the situation at the mining site operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd.
He assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s resolve to investigate the remote causes of the disaster to prevent a recurrence.
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