Tragedy struck again in Niger State as a mining explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, claimed the lives of 25 people on Sunday, leaving several others injured and causing widespread destruction.
This disaster, occurring barely a week after a tanker explosion along the Dikko-Maje-Minna road, has left the local community in shock and mourning. The explosion reportedly took place at a mining site when workers were resuming for the day. Many residents, including women and children, remain unaccounted for, with fears that some may still be trapped under the debris.
The blast reduced numerous residential buildings and shops in the area to rubble. Survivors with severe injuries have been taken to hospitals in New Bussa for urgent medical attention.
Although investigations are ongoing, reports suggest that explosive devices used at the mining site may have been improperly stored. A man identified as Yushau, who allegedly kept the explosives in his uncle’s house, is believed to be responsible. The house, which also doubled as a shop, became ground zero for the devastating explosion.
Yushau is currently at large, and security operatives, including the military, have cordoned off the area to prevent further incidents.
Ahmed, a local resident, described the chaos: “The explosion happened early in the morning as miners resumed work. Many villagers are too scared to approach the site, fearing that more explosives might detonate.”
The Niger State Police Command confirmed that dynamites caused the explosion. Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun stated: “The explosion occurred in a densely populated residential area. It led to the death of one Fatima Sadauki, with six others injured and taken to General Hospital Kainji for medical attention. About twelve houses were affected.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has ordered a thorough investigation, while efforts to locate the suspect are underway.
Illegal mining activities have been rampant in the area, raising concerns about safety and regulation. Local sources allege that the improper handling of explosives at such sites has been a ticking time bomb.
As residents continue to recover from the tragedy, authorities face mounting pressure to address the underlying issues of illegal mining and unregulated storage of explosive materials to prevent further loss of life.
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