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.
A devastating explosion rocked a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, in the early hours of Sunday.
Initial reports from the community suggested that the blast, believed to be caused by the poor handling of explosive devices used for mining, left four people dead and many others injured.Eyewitnesses recounted that the explosion sent shockwaves through Sabon Pegi and neighboring areas, including New Bussa, with terrified residents fleeing into the bush.
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.
Six others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Kainji, New Bussa, according to the police report.
The explosion damaged 12 houses, and search-and-rescue operations are ongoing. Villagers fear that more victims may still be trapped under the rubble.
Additional reports suggest that the dynamites were stored in a shop close to the mining site, which has been reduced to rubble along with over 50% of the village’s buildings and shops.
A victim of the blast whose house was damaged, Isah Kwataci, spoke to Channels Television through telephone and confirmed that the incident damaged his house without heavy casualties but minor scratches.
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.
The traditional ruler of the district Muhammad Baiwa during a visit to the affected community call for calm and said that the traditional institutions will not hesitate to put out disciplinary measures against people who store dynamite in residential areas.
Military personnel have also cordoned off the area, as authorities continue monitoring the situation.
