In a tragic turn of events, three individuals lost their lives in a mining pit collapse in Bazakwoi, Niger State, with only one person being successfully rescued. This incident has illuminated the widespread safety risks associated with illicit mining activities in the region. The swift response of the local community and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency ensured the successful recovery of all the victims.
This unfortunate event took place on Thursday in Bazakwoi, a village in the Adnun community of Niger State. Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), has confirmed the tragic incident and assured the public that there were no further individuals trapped in the pit. This was due to the collaborative efforts of the community, which led to the retrieval of all the victims, except for the one person who was rescued alive.
This distressing occurrence marks the second mining accident in the state within a mere ten-day period. On June 3, a mining pit collapse in Galkago, Shiroro District, resulted in the loss of 20 lives due to heavy rains, with 14 others trapped beneath the debris.
It has been reported that the individuals affected by the recent collapse were local miners involved in illegal mining activities. The incident took place while Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, and House of Assembly Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji were in Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj. As a result, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, is overseeing state affairs during their absence.
These consecutive mining disasters serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety regulations and their stringent implementation. These measures are crucial not only to curtail illegal mining activities but also to protect the lives of miners, who operate on the forefront of this perilous industry.