Metro
25 Dead In Niger Mine Explosion
By Benjamin Abioye
At least 25 people lost their lives in a tragic explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday.
The blast occurred early in the morning as miners were resuming work. Several others sustained injuries and have been taken to hospitals in New Bussa for treatment. Many individuals, including women and children, remain missing.
Although the exact cause of the explosion has not been confirmed, local sources suspect it was triggered by improperly stored explosives near the site. A local resident, Ahmed, stated, “The explosion occurred when the miners were just resuming work in the morning. For now, the villagers are afraid to go close to the area for fear of what could happen next because we are suspecting that more explosives could detonate at the site.”
Reports suggest the explosives were stored in a house used as a shop in the village by a man identified as Yushau, who has since fled the area. The blast destroyed multiple residential buildings and shops, leaving them in ruins. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with residents searching for more bodies amid the debris, fearing some victims may still be trapped.
Illegal mining activities in the area have raised longstanding safety concerns. The Niger State Police Command confirmed that the explosion was caused by dynamites stored in a residential building. Police spokesperson Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun stated, “The explosion of dynamites occurred in densely populated residential buildings in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, on Sunday. The suspected dynamites were stored in a residential house by one Yushau for a purported mining activity.”
The police statement also noted that the blast killed one Fatima Sadauki and injured six others, who were taken to the General Hospital in Kainji, New Bussa, for medical attention. About twelve houses were affected by the explosion.
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. Efforts are being made to locate the suspect, Yushau, while the area has been secured, and calm has been restored.
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