Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Tragedy has struck in Galkogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State as a mining pit collapsed killing four persons and injuring two other persons.
The mining pit is said to belong African Minerals and Logistics Ltd.
Recall that Truth Live News reported earlier in April as tragedy struck at the same mining site, where over 50 miners were trapped in a pit.
While some of them were rescued, eight were killed as all efforts to save them failed.
A source close to Galkogo community who preferred anonymity said that despite the government ban on illegal mining in the state after the death of eight miners, the illegal activities have continued unabated.
“This mining site (Galkogo) was closed down by the government after the death of the miners last year but we don’t know who asked them to resume operation.
“This latest incident has again claimed the lives of four young men in the community, and, as I speak with you, there are mining activities going on in other parts of the community.
“Because of the economic situation, our boys continue to troop there for illegal activities. This is the third time now that a mining pit is collapsing and killing our boys,” the source said.
Shiroro LGA plays host to the highest number of illegal miners in the state and this has been responsible for the growing insecurity in the area.
Confirming the latest incident, the Niger State Police Command image maker, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement in Minna on Tuesday, said the latest incident claimed only two lives: “Information was received that there was a collapse/slide at a mining site at Farin Doki, Shiroro LGA. During the rock slides, two persons were trapped who were later identified as Buhari Kano and Mallam Tasiu, both of Kano State.”
He said that police attached to Erena Division and community members mobilised to the scene for a rescue, adding that “unfortunately, suspected lifeless bodies of the two persons were recovered. The bodies were taken to a hospital in Zumba.”
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were suspected to have gone to the site at night for illegal mining activities, before the rock slides occurred. The incident is still under investigation.