Breaking: One dead, 30 trapped as mining site collapses in Niger

Not less than 30 workers have been trapped inside a mining pit at Galadima Kogo in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger state.

Among those trapped on Tuesday is the site manager, Alhaji Ibrahim Ishaku.

Six others have been rescued alive while one worker has been confirmed dead.

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 are further hampered by the difficult environment and banditry activities.

He said, “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 explained that rescuers have to run for their lives as the mine pit kept falling inside.

He said, “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”.

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”.