At least 50 people have been reportedly trapped, one dead, and six others injured in a mining site collapse in the Farin Doki community near Erena in Shiroro local government area of Niger State.
The mine reportedly collapsed on Monday, 3rd June, due to rainfall.
According to Malam Sani Abubakar Ibrahim Koki, the co-convener of the Concerned Shiroro Youths of Niger State, some individuals were rescued while others tragically lost their lives in the incident.
Koki expressed concern about potential negligence on the part of the company operating the site, emphasising the urgent need for safety measures and equipment to prevent such disasters.
“We are going to demand for the seizure of his licence, because of what happened today,” Koki stated emphatically.
Koki told SaharaReporters that the ongoing struggles faced by the community due to banditry, noting that civilians continue to live in the area despite these challenges.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, Koki criticised the ban on mining activities in the state, labelling it a political move.
He explained that the insecurity in the region had forced some farmers to turn to mining as a means of livelihood.
In August 2023, Mohammed Bago, the state governor, announced the suspension of all forms of mining activities in the state. However, Koki pointed out that the ban was merely on paper, as illegal mining persisted in the state capital and other local government areas under the governor’s watch.
Koki expressed a contrasting opinion on the government order.
“I have a different view altogether as regards that order,” he remarked.
He believes the directive is politically motivated, explaining, “The issue is the order itself is political. I think the government does issue the order for political reasons.”
(SAHARAREPORTERS)