In a devastating turn of events, a miner tragically lost his life, while an estimated 50 others found themselves trapped in the depths of a collapsed mining pit in Galkogo community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The ill-fated mining site, owned by “African Minerals and Logistics Limited,” succumbed to the relentless force of a heavy downpour that swept through the area.
The grim details that emerged painted a harrowing picture of the incident. According to reports, the mine caved in on Sunday evening, leaving one miner dead and six others nursing injuries sustained in the harrowing accident. Among those trapped beneath the rubble was the site manager, Ibrahim Ishaku. In a heartbreaking twist, a middle-aged man and the Chief Security Officer of the mining company, identified as Kuta, perished while bravely attempting to rescue victims from the treacherous depths.
As rescue efforts commenced, a manual operation was underway to extract the trapped miners. However, the situation took a dire turn when a portion of the mining pit collapsed again, forcing rescuers to abandon their efforts and flee for their safety. As of Tuesday, when this report was filed, all 50 miners remained trapped underground, raising grave concerns about their survival and prompting fears that they might have succumbed to the unforgiving conditions.
The spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Hussaini Ibrahim, confirmed the incident but stated that information was scarce due to the area’s insecurity caused by the persistent threat of banditry. However, he disclosed that excavators had been deployed to aid in the rescue operations, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Compounding the tragedy, Ibrahim revealed that six people were kidnapped on Sunday night following bandit attacks on Adogo Mallam village in the Mashegun local government area. Additionally, over 20 individuals were abducted in Tunga Kawo village in Erena ward of Shiroro local government, with hundreds of cows rustled, further underscoring the region’s precarious security situation.
As the rescue efforts continue, the community remains gripped by fear and uncertainty, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures and enhanced security in the region’s mining operations. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those who toil in the depths of the earth, and the imperative to prioritize their well-being and protection.
