Dozens of gold miners found themselves trapped underground following a harrowing pit collapse in central Nigeria’s Niger state.
The incident, which occurred on Monday amidst heavy rainfall, unfolded amidst the backdrop of a national strike, delaying the emergence of news until Tuesday.
As rescue efforts persist, officials fear for the safety of over 30 individuals believed to still be trapped beneath the earth’s surface.
Confirming the grim toll, Hussaini Ibrahim, spokesman for Niger state’s emergency service agency, informed that one casualty has been reported thus far, while six fortunate souls have been rescued and swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent care.
The collapse, attributed to the relentless downpour that softened the soil, has spurred a frantic mobilization of resources, with four excavators and a dedicated team of rescue workers deployed to the site in a race against time.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, pledged a thorough investigation into the causes of the calamity, vowing to forestall any recurrence and safeguard the nation’s populace.
Expressing solidarity with the affected communities, Alake assured swift action to mitigate the unfolding crisis and ensure the well-being of all citizens.
The mining site, located in Galadima Kogo, falls within Niger state, a region notorious for the activity of criminal elements who perpetrate kidnappings for ransom.
In response to heightened security concerns, mining operations were suspended in the Shiroro area and neighboring districts last year, underscoring the precarious environment in which such endeavors are conducted.
Authorities have bolstered security measures to shield rescue personnel from potential abductions amid the ongoing efforts to extricate those trapped underground.
Tragically, mining accidents are all too familiar in Nigeria, with many incidents involving illegal miners going unreported. Just earlier this year, in January, the city of Ibadan was rocked by a deadly explosion, claiming two lives and injuring 77 others.
Investigations revealed that the blast stemmed from explosives stockpiled by illicit miners, underscoring the perils inherent in unregulated mining activities.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this latest tragedy, the plight of the trapped miners serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and regulatory oversight in the mining sector.
With rescue efforts ongoing and the specter of further casualties looming, communities across Nigeria stand united in solidarity with those affected by this unfolding disaster, clinging to hope for a swift and successful resolution to this harrowing ordeal.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
