By ABAH SUNDAY, Abuja
The federal government has mobilized first responders to the scene of a collapsed mining site in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.
Speaking, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr Dele Alake said the rapid response demonstrates the government’s commitment to rescuing those still trapped and mitigating the impact of the incident.
A statement from the ministry disclosed that federal officials and the mining company have already rescued seven victims, some with injuries, adding that rescue operations were still in progress with the use of excavators to prevent further loss of life.
In a statement confirming the collapse of the mine in Minna on Tuesday, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, said rescue efforts are further hampered by the difficult environment occasioned by banditry and compounded by the heavy downpour that led to the ugly incident.
One life was reportedly lost in the incident said to have occurred Monday, while about 30 others, including the site manager, Alhaji Ibrahim Ishaku, were trapped aside from the about 7 that were rescued.
The Minister recalled that the ministry recently implemented a policy mandating remedial measures for mining pits as a prerequisite for obtaining mining licenses, aimed at minimizing such accidents.
He assured Nigerians that the federal government thoroughly investigate the causes of the disaster to prevent future recurrence.
“The Minister is closely monitoring the situation at the site, operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd., and has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safety in mining operations,” the statement said.