Police in Niger State say no fewer than 14 miners are still trapped under the ruble of a collapsed mining pit in Galkogo community, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
The mining site operated by ‘African Minerals and Logistics Limited’ caved in after a heavy downpour during which 50 workers got trapped inside the rubble.
The mine collapsed on Sunday evening during which one of the miners lost his life in the accident while six others were seriously injured. Six of the miners were said to have escaped unhurt.
A team of Police operatives led by the Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Danmamman, visited the collapsed mining site to join in the rescue operation.
Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Bello Mohammed, and Commissioner for Minerals Resources, Garba Yahaya, also visited the site.
Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said 20 people initially got trapped inside the rubble but six were rescued.
The PPRO said, “The commissioner of Police visited the mining site incident, along with the Commissioner of homeland security, and Commissioner of minerals resources.
“They arrived at the scene at about 1200hrs and the engineer in the site confirmed that 20 persons were trapped under the rock but 6 persons were rescued out of the 20 persons. 14 persons are still trapped under the rock. Efforts are still ongoing by the site engineers and rescue team to rescue the rest of the victims.
“The district head Mall. Aliyu Umar was also present where he also confirmed the number of persons trapped. He appreciated the CP, Area Commander Shiroro, and the DPO Shiroro for their bravery since the incident.
“The Commissioner of minerals resources told the district head and the villagers that they came on behalf of the Government and that the Government is not happy about the incident. The team condoled with the people of the community.
“The CP also reminded them that mining activities have been banned by the Government in the State, but people still go about the activities of mining. He warned the community to desist from such acts.”
