Police in Niger State has confirmed a dynamite explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger State, leaving four people dead and several others injured.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, January 26, as miners began their daily operations, was reportedly kept in a residential area by one Yushau for mining activity.
According to a source, the explosion was so loud that many thought it originated from the nearby hydroelectric dam as people fled into the bush for safety.
Another source attributed the incident to mining operations, ruling out terrorist activity saying, “Mining has been going on here for years, and this seems to be an operational mishap”.
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While the sources confirmed the recovery of four bodies with several others injured, the spokesman for the police, Superintendent Wasi’u Abiodun said the explosion led to the unfortunate death of one Fatima Sadauki, while six others were injured and taken to general hospital Kainji for medical attention.
Abiodun added that the incident affected about twelve houses in the area, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Danmamman, ordered an investigation into the incident and dispatched an anti-bomb squad unit to the scene for assessment.
He further said that the Yushau is currently at large while normalcy has been restored in the area.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
