Conflicting Death Toll As Explosion Rocks Mining Site In Niger State

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Barely a week after a fuel tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area, claimed over 100 lives, Niger State has been struck by another tragedy.

In Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, on Sunday morning, a devastating explosion shook a mining site.

Four people died and many others were injured in the explosion, according to initial reports from the community, which is thought to have been the result of poor mining explosive handling.

victims whose buildings were impacted by the explosion.

Witnesses claimed that the explosion sent shockwaves through Sabon Pegi and nearby New Bussa, with terrified residents fleeing into the bush.

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However, the Niger State Police Command has provided a different account. In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the explosion, caused by dynamites stored in a residential building by one Yushau for mining activities, resulted in the death of one Fatima Sadauki.

According to the police report, six others were hurt, and one of them is currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Kainji in New Bussa.

The explosion damaged 12 houses, and search-and-rescue operations are ongoing. More victims may still be buried beneath the rubble, according to residents’ fears.

The mining site, which has been reduced to rubble along with more than 50% of the village’s buildings and shops, was where the dynamites were kept, according to additional reports.

Isah Kwataci, a victim of the explosion and the victim of the accident, confirmed to Channels Television that he had no serious injuries but only minor scratches in his home when he spoke to him over the phone.

Meanwhile, the alleged dealer, Yushau, has reportedly fled and is currently at large. The Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has ordered an investigation into the incident, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) unit has been deployed to assess the situation.

During a visit to the affected community, the district’s traditional ruler, Muhammad Baiwa, urged calm and said that the local institutions would not hesitate to impose sanctions against those who store dynamite in residential areas.