One killed, 30 trapped as mining pit collapses in Niger

At least one person has been reported dead and others severely injured following the collapse of a mining pit in Galadima-Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. Daily Trust gathered that 30 other miners, including the site manager, Alhaji Ibrahim Ishaku, were being trapped in the pit. It was learnt that the incident happened […]

At least one person has been reported dead and others severely injured following the collapse of a mining pit in Galadima-Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Daily Trust gathered that 30 other miners, including the site manager, Alhaji Ibrahim Ishaku, were being trapped in the pit.

It was learnt that the incident happened on Monday when miners were busy in the pit.

The Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Abdullah Baba Arah, confirmed the incident, saying that the pit caved in due to rainfall.

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He said the mining site belonged to African Minerals and Logistics Limited.

He said, “Nsema received a report of mining pit collapse at Galkogo village of Shiroro LGA. The mining site belongs to a company named African Minerals and logistics limited. The cause of the collapse was as a result of the rainfall impacts that soften the soil.

“It was gathered that one person has been confirmed dead, six people were rescued with severe injuries, while about 30, including the site manager, Alh Ibrahim Ishaku, were still trapped as of yesterday (Monday).

“The rescuers have to run for their lives as the mine kept falling inside Galkogo village of Shiroro LGA.

“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, the excavators have been deployed for the rescue operations.”

Arah said the agency also received reports of persistant banditry activities at Shiroro and Mashegu local government areas.

He said a village called Adogo Mallam was attacked on Sunday and six persons were kidnapped, while on Monday, 20 persons were kidnapped and hundreds of cows rustled in Tunga Kawo community located 3 kilometres away from Erena in Shiroro LGA.