The Government of Niger State has officially confirmed that 14 miners remain trapped under the rubble of a collapsed mining pit in Galkogo, situated within the Shiroro Local Government Area of the state. The distressing incident transpired on Monday, with initial estimates suggesting that approximately 50 miners were working underground at the time of the collapse.
Following an on-site assessment conducted on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources in the state, Garba Yahaya, has disclosed the identities of the 14 miners who are still awaiting rescue. They are Abdullahi Yahaya, Ibrahim Mansir, Abubakar Isah, Friday Musa, Godwin Hussaini, Benjamin Ashafa, Zayyanu Ibrahim, Abdul Ali, Hamza Musa, Umar Abubakar, Joseph Madaki, Ibrahim Ishiaku Kuta, Abbas Musa, and Yakubu Mamman.
The Commissioner affirmed, “We are actively collaborating with pertinent authorities, and the rescue team is diligently working towards ensuring the safe extraction of the remaining trapped individuals.” He additionally stated that the collapse was precipitated by the failure of the hanging walls within the mining site.
Moreover, Governor Umaru Bago has taken decisive action by issuing a directive for the suspension of all mining activities in the state, along with the initiation of stringent measures against illegal miners. It has been explicitly communicated that those found to be in contravention of these mandates will be subject to sanctions.
Nevertheless, there appears to be some variance in the reported figures. While official government sources and multiple news platforms have cited the number of trapped miners as 14, the district head of the village has asserted that 20 individuals were originally trapped, with six successfully rescued.
This lamentable episode serves as a poignant reminder of the perils encountered by those employed in the mining industry. It is imperative for mining operations to diligently adhere to rigorous safety regulations in order to avert such tragic occurrences. Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to the trapped miners and their families, and we retain optimism for their prompt and secure rescue.
As more information unfolds, we shall continue to vigilantly monitor the situation and furnish updates on the ongoing rescue efforts. The safety and well-being of all individuals involved are of paramount significance, and we earnestly urge all relevant authorities to exert every effort within their capacity to ensure a successful and expeditious rescue operation.