At least 50 people have reportedly been trapped, with one confirmed dead and six others injured, following a mining site collapse in the Farin Doki community near Erena, located in the Shiroro local government area of Niger State.
The collapse occurred on Monday, June 3rd, due to heavy rainfall. According to Malam Sani Abubakar Ibrahim Koki, the co-convener of the Concerned Shiroro Youths of Niger State, while some individuals were rescued, others tragically lost their lives in the incident.
Koki expressed serious concerns about possible negligence by the company operating the site, stressing the urgent need for better safety measures and equipment to prevent such disasters in the future.
“We are going to demand the seizure of their license because of what happened today,” Koki stated emphatically.
Koki also highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the community due to banditry, noting that civilians continue to reside in the area despite these challenges.
Speaking to reporters, Koki condemned the ban on mining activities in the state, calling it a political move.
He explained that insecurity in the region had forced some farmers to turn to mining as a means of survival.
In August 2023, the state governor, Mohammed Bago, announced the suspension of all mining activities in the state.
However, Koki pointed out that the ban was merely on paper, as illegal mining continued in the state capital and other local government areas under the governor’s watch.
Koki expressed a differing opinion on the government order. “I have a different view altogether regarding that order,” he remarked.
