Dozens of Gold Miners Trapped After Pit Collapse in Central Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria-Dozens of gold miners are trapped underground after a mining pit collapsed in central Nigeria's Niger state on Monday, following heavy rainfall. News of the incident was delayed due to a general strike in the country, which was called off on Tuesday.

Hussaini Ibrahim, a spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Service Agency, told the BBC that one person has been confirmed dead, and over 30 people are still believed to be trapped as rescue efforts continue. The collapse was attributed to torrential rains that softened the soil.

“As of this morning [Wednesday], we believe over 30 people are still trapped. We can't give you exact figures because even those on site didn’t know," said Ibrahim. "One person has been confirmed dead, and six persons were rescued and rushed to the hospital.”

He mentioned that four excavators and rescue workers are at the scene trying to help those trapped.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, stated that officials from the Mines Inspectorate had been sent to the mining site in Galadima Kogo. “Rest assured, we will investigate the causes of the disaster to prevent a recurrence and ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” he said in a statement.

Mining accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria, with many incidents involving illegal miners going unreported. In January, a deadly blast in Ibadan killed two people and injured 77 others. The Oyo state government attributed the explosion to explosives stored by illegal miners.