Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ahmed Baba Suleiman Yumu says insecurity and difficult terrain are hindering the rescue of 30 miners trapped in a pit that collapsed in Galadima-Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
One person was confirmed dead, seven severely injured and 30 others still trapped in the mining pit.
The commissioner in a statement by the Director Media and Strategy in the ministry, Hanibu Abubakar Wushishi, said relevant stakeholders were making effort to rescue the trapped miners.
“The ministry in collaboration with other agencies and professional stakeholders are doing their best in seeing that the trapped miners are rescued even though it’s been over 24 hours since the collapse occured.
“The rescue efforts are still on despite the difficult terrain, insecurity in the area and the possibility of more collapse if the rescue effort is not done professionally and cautiously.”
He appealed to artisanal miners to adhere to mining procedures, and urged relevant authorities to monitor, supervise and prevent illegal mining across the state.
“The ministry appeals for patience, understanding and prayers from all Nigerlites and Nigerians for the successful rescue of these innocent artisanal miners,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has mobilised first responders to the mining site that caved in following a heavy downpour on
This is contained in a statement by Segun Tomori, media aide to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake in Abuja on Tuesday.
“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 the Minister is actively monitoring the situation at the mining site operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd.
He assured that investigation would be carried out to determine cause of the disaster.