A mining site collapse in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro LGA of Niger state, has left an unconfirmed number of persons trapped, with estimates suggesting over 30 individuals buried beneath the rubble.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred on Monday following a heavy downpour, which softened the soil and caused the mine site to collapse.
Abdullahi Arah, director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the disaster and stated that rescue operations are being hindered by the difficult terrain and banditry in the area.
“The cause of the collapse was the rainfall that softened the soil,” Arah said.
Despite the challenges, excavators have been deployed for rescue efforts.
The incident comes months after Niger governor Umar Bago suspended all mining activities in the state.
