25 Dead In Niger Mining Explosion, Suspect On The Run

At least 25 people have been confirmed dead after a devastating explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, on Sunday.

The explosion, which occurred in the early hours as miners resumed work, also left several others injured. Victims with varying degrees of injuries have been transported to hospitals in New Bussa for treatment, while many remain missing, including women and children.

The cause of the explosion has not been officially determined, but local sources believe it may have been triggered by explosives stored improperly near the mining site.

One of the sources, Ahmed, who spoke with Vanguard, said, “The explosion occurred when the miners were just resuming work in the morning. For now, the villagers are afraid to go close to the area for fear of what could happen next because we are suspecting that more explosives could detonate at the site.”

According to reports, a man identified as Yushau, who is based in New Bussa, allegedly stored the explosives in his uncle’s house, which also served as a shop in Sabon Pegi.

The devices reportedly detonated, causing the disaster. Yushau is currently on the run.

The explosion destroyed numerous residential buildings and shops in the village, reducing them to rubble. Residents continue to search for more bodies, fearing that victims may still be buried under the debris.

Illegal mining activities have been reported in the area for a long time, raising concerns about safety practices and regulatory oversight.

The Niger State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that dynamites caused the explosion.

In a statement, the command revealed, “The explosion of dynamites occurred in densely populated residential buildings in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, on Sunday. The suspected dynamites were stored in a residential house by one Yushau for a purported mining activity.”

The statement added, “The explosion led to the unfortunate death of one Fatima Sadauki, while six others were injured and taken to General Hospital Kainji, New Bussa, for medical attention. The incident affected about twelve houses in the area.”

The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has ordered an investigation into the incident. Efforts are underway to locate the suspect, Yushau, while the area has been cordoned off, and normalcy has been restored.