NEMA deploys emergency team to Niger state after dynamite explosion

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it has deployed its response team to Niger state following a recent explosion.

On Sunday, at least one person was killed after a dynamite stored in a residential building exploded in Sabon-Pegi community, Mashegu LGA of the state.

Six persons sustained injuries from the blast with 12 houses destroyed.

In a statement on Monday, NEMA said the dynamite was stored by a local artisan miner in an apartment rented for his workers.

The agency added that it is working closely with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to respond to the incident.

“A dynamite exploded in a residential area of Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger,” the statement reads.

“The exploded dynamite was reported to have been kept by a local artisan miner in the wrecked apartment that he had rented for his workers. Some residents of the area were affected by the incident and property was destroyed.

“Meanwhile, NEMA Minna Operation Office and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) are working together in response to incident.”

At least five people were killed in an explosion that rattled Bodija axis of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, in January 2024.

Seyi Makinde, the state’s governor, said the blast was caused by explosive devices stored in a residential apartment by illegal miners.