Nigeria
Conflicting Death Toll as Explosion Hits Mining Site in Niger State
An explosion at a mining site in Niger State has left conflicting reports on the number of casualties, raising concerns over safety and regulatory enforcement.
In the early hours of Sunday, a catastrophic explosion shook a mining site in Sabon Pegi, located within the Mashegu Local Government Area.
Early reports from the community indicated that the explosion, thought to have resulted from improper handling of explosive devices used in mining, left four people dead and many others injured.
Victims whose properties were impacted by the explosion.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion sent shockwaves through Sabon Pegi and nearby areas, such as New Bussa, causing terrified residents to flee into the bush.
The Niger State Police Command has offered an alternate version of events. According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the explosion occurred due to dynamites that were stored in a residential building by an individual named Yushau for mining purposes. This incident led to the death of Fatima Sadauki.
According to the police report, six additional individuals were injured and are presently being treated at General Hospital Kainji in New Bussa.
The explosion damaged a dozen houses, and search-and-rescue efforts continue. Villagers worry that more victims might still be trapped beneath the debris.
Further reports indicate that the dynamite was stored in a shop near the mining site, which has been destroyed along with more than half of the village’s buildings and shops.
Isah Kwataci, whose house was damaged in the blast, spoke with Channels Television over the phone. He confirmed that while his home suffered damage from the incident, there were no major casualties—only minor scratches.
In the meantime, Yushau, the suspected dealer, has reportedly escaped and remains at large. Commissioner of Police Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman has initiated an investigation into the incident, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) unit has been deployed to evaluate the situation.
During a visit to the affected community, Muhammad Baiwa, the traditional ruler of the district, called for calm and stated that traditional institutions would not hesitate to implement disciplinary measures against those who store dynamite in residential areas.
The area has also been cordoned off by military personnel, while authorities continue to monitor the situation.
