The federal government has successfully rescued seven individuals from a collapsed mining site in Galadima Kogo, located in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. This announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, through a statement issued by his media aide, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Minister Alake highlighted that first responders were promptly deployed to the scene of the incident, working in collaboration with the mining company to execute the rescue mission. The collapse, which trapped thirty individuals, occurred at a mining site operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd.
According to Abdullahi Arah, the director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the collapse was triggered by a heavy downpour that softened the soil, leading to the tragic incident.
Minister Alake emphasized that the swift response underscores the government’s commitment to mitigating the adverse impacts of such incidents and ensuring the safety of those still trapped. “Upon learning of the incident, we mobilized our Federal Mines Officer (FMO) and officials of the Mines Inspectorate to the site. In collaboration with the mining company, we have rescued seven victims, some with injuries. Rescue operations with excavators are ongoing to ensure we avert loss of lives,” he stated.
The statement also mentioned a recent policy announced by the minister, which mandates the inclusion of remedial measures for mining pits as a prerequisite for obtaining mining licenses. This policy aims to minimize the occurrence of incidents like the collapse in Niger State.
Minister Alake assured the public that he is actively monitoring the situation at the mining site. He reiterated the federal government’s resolve to investigate the underlying causes of the disaster thoroughly to prevent future occurrences.
