Police: Lack of equipment hindered rescue of 14 trapped mining workers in Niger state

The Niger police command says a lack of equipment and heavy rocks have stalled the rescue of 14 workers trapped in a mining pit in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro LGA of the state.

On Monday, 20 workers were said to have been trapped in a collapsed mine site after a heavy downpour.

In a statement on Wednesday, Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson in Niger state, said six workers have been rescued from the collapsed mining site.

“Upon receipt of this incident, the area commander Shiroro, officer in charge of EOD-CBRN, and DPO Shiroro division, among other officers of the command with vigilante members, were mobilized to the scene and made frantic efforts through which six persons were rescued,” the statement reads.

“The rescue operation has been delayed due to a lack of equipment from the site and the heavy rocks and rumbles; however, more equipment has been moved to aid the rescue operation.

“As a result of this, today 5/6/2024 the commissioner of police Niger state command CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman fsi along with the commissioner of homeland security, and commissioner of mineral resources visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

“The engineer at the site confirmed that 20 persons were trapped under the rock but 6 persons have been rescued.

“The CP also reminded the villagers that mining activities have been banned by the government in the state, but people still go about the activities of mining.

“He warned the community members to desist from such acts while the site is under investigation.”