A tragic explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, has left one person dead and six others wounded. The incident, which occurred early on Sunday morning, has raised serious concerns about safety standards in the region’s mining industry.
According to reports from the Niger State Police Command, the explosion, suspected to have been caused by dynamites, occurred at approximately 7:30 AM as miners resumed work for the day. The blast resulted in the death of Fatima Sadauki, a local resident, while six others sustained injuries, prompting immediate medical intervention. The victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Kainji for treatment.
A spokesperson for the police, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the details of the explosion in a public statement, stating, “On January 26th, 2025, at about 7.30 AM, there was an explosion at Sabon-Pegi, Mashegu LGA, believed to have been caused by dynamites, which were reportedly stored by a man named Yushau for mining activities. The explosion tragically claimed the life of one Fatima Sadauki and left six others injured. We are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
The explosion also had a significant impact on the local community, as it affected approximately twelve houses in the area. Residents of Sabon Pegi have expressed their distress over the incident, with many fearing that the explosion could have been much more devastating had it occurred later in the day when more miners were present.
Niger State Police Commissioner, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has ordered a full investigation into the explosion. He also directed the deployment of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit to assess the site and determine the cause of the explosion. However, the suspected individual responsible for storing the dynamites, identified as Yushau, is currently at large. Authorities have launched a manhunt to locate him.
This incident comes just a week after another explosion rocked the state. On January 19, a tanker explosion near Dikko Junction along Minna Road claimed the lives of at least 98 people, including a pregnant woman, and left several others injured. The tanker explosion has raised alarms about the safety of transportation and fuel handling in the region, with local authorities pledging to enhance oversight and safety measures.
Locals have voiced their frustrations over the lack of regulation in the mining sector, where safety protocols are often disregarded in pursuit of quick profits. The explosion at the Sabon Pegi site has intensified these concerns, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety laws.
A resident of Sabon Pegi, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “This is the second explosion in less than a week. People are afraid to go to work. We don’t know if we’re safe here anymore. The government must act now before more lives are lost.”
The mining activities in Niger State, particularly in rural areas like Sabon Pegi, have long been a source of tension between local communities and authorities. While mining is a major economic activity in the state, it has also been marred by incidents of unsafe practices, lack of proper regulation, and the illegal use of explosives. The incident at Sabon Pegi is a stark reminder of the risks associated with unregulated mining operations, and the potential for greater tragedy if the sector is not properly controlled.
Efforts to improve safety standards in the mining industry have faced numerous challenges, including insufficient oversight, lack of training for workers, and the use of substandard equipment. In some cases, the use of illegal explosives has exacerbated the dangers posed by mining operations. Authorities have struggled to enforce regulations effectively, leaving local communities vulnerable to further disasters.
In a related development, Niger State’s Mining Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, called for a comprehensive review of the mining industry’s safety practices. He expressed condolences to the families affected by the explosion and pledged that the government would take stronger action to prevent future occurrences.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life,” said Alhaji Bawa. “We will ensure that the necessary measures are put in place to guarantee the safety of our mining communities. The government will work closely with law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice.”
As the investigation into the explosion continues, local residents are anxiously awaiting answers. The people of Sabon Pegi, like many others in Niger State, are demanding better safety standards and stronger enforcement of regulations to prevent further tragedies.
The Niger State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are being made to apprehend the suspect, Yushau, and to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion. “We will not rest until justice is served,” said
Niger State, located in the central part of Nigeria, is known for its rich mineral resources, including gold, granite, and limestone. However, the mining sector in the state has been plagued by a series of challenges, including illegal mining, unregulated use of explosives, and inadequate safety measures. This has resulted in numerous accidents over the years, some of which have claimed lives and caused extensive property damage.
In recent years, the state government has implemented some measures to address these issues, including stricter licensing requirements and the establishment of safety guidelines for mining operations. However, enforcement has remained a significant challenge, with many illegal miners operating without oversight or accountability.
