Barely a year after a mining pit collapsed in Galkogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State—claiming the lives of over eight miners—another tragedy has struck at a site reportedly operated by the same company, African Minerals and Logistics Limited.
The latest collapse occurred last Saturday, killing four miners and leaving two others critically injured.
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at a government health facility in Minna, the state capital.
It will be recalled that in April last year, a similar incident at the same location trapped over 50 miners.
While some were rescued, at least eight lost their lives when rescue efforts failed.
A source within Galkogo community told our correspondent that despite government efforts to clamp down on illegal mining following the previous tragedy, mining activities have continued unchecked.
“This mining site was closed by the government after the incident last year, but we don’t know who authorized the resumption of operations,” the source said.
“This latest collapse has again claimed the lives of four young men in the community. Mining is still ongoing in other parts of the area. Because of the economic hardship, our youths continue to flock there despite the dangers. This is the third time the pit has collapsed, killing our people.”
Shiroro LGA is known to host the highest number of illegal mining operations in Niger State, a situation often linked to growing insecurity in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated in Minna on Tuesday that the collapse at Farin-Doki area of Shiroro claimed two lives.
“Information was received about a collapse/rock slide at a mining site in Farin-Doki. Two persons—Buhari Kano and Mallam Tasiu, both from Kano State—were trapped,” he said.
Abiodun explained that police operatives from Erena Division, alongside local residents, mobilized to the scene for rescue efforts. “Unfortunately, the suspected lifeless bodies of the two men were recovered and taken to a hospital in Zumba.”
Preliminary investigations indicate the victims were engaged in illegal mining activities at night when the rock slide occurred. The matter is currently under further investigation.