A deadly explosion rocked a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area of Niger State, on Sunday morning, claiming the life of one person and injuring six others.
The tragic incident occurred as miners resumed work for the day. Preliminary investigations by the police suggest the explosion was caused by dynamites.
In a statement, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the details of the incident:
“On January 26th, 2025, at about 7:30 a.m., there was an explosion involving suspected dynamites at Sabon Pegi, Mashegun LGA. The dynamites were reportedly stored in a residential area by one Yushau for alleged mining activities.”
Abiodun further revealed that the explosion claimed the life of Fatima Sadauki, while six others sustained injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Kainji for medical attention. The blast also damaged approximately 12 houses in the area.
He added:
“The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit has been deployed to assess the scene, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect, Yushau, who is currently at large. Normalcy has been restored in the area, and monitoring continues.”
This tragic event follows another devastating explosion in Niger State just a week ago. A tanker explosion near Dikko Junction along Minna Road claimed the lives of at least 98 people, including a pregnant woman, and left many others injured.
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