A mining pit collapsed in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger state, has left an unspecified number of individuals trapped inside the rubble.
According to reports, a mining pit in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger state, caved in following a heavy downpour on Monday, entrapping numerous workers who were excavating for mineral deposits.
The downpour also made rescue efforts difficult.
The Ministry of Solid Mineral Development has swiftly deployed first responders to the site of the collapsed mining pit, in a bid to rescue those trapped and mitigate the effects of the incident.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the prompt response demonstrates the Federal Government’s dedication to minimizing the severity of the situation and ensuring the safe recovery of those still buried in the rubble.
A statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday said seven victims have been rescued with evacuation ongoing to avert further loss of lives.
“Upon learning of the incident, we mobilised our Federal Mines Officer and officials of the Mines Inspectorate to the site. In collaboration with the mining company, we have rescued seven victims, some with injuries. Rescue operations with excavators are ongoing to ensure we avert loss of lives,” The statement said.
As previously reported, the Minister recently introduced a new policy requiring mining companies to implement remedial measures to address mining pits as a condition for obtaining mining licenses, aimed at reducing the risk of such accidents.
The Minister also reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government is dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of the disaster.
“The minister is actively monitoring the situation at the mining site operated by African Minerals and Logistics Limited,” the statement concluded.
