Kehinde Fajobi
An explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area of Niger State, claimed four lives and left several others injured on Sunday morning.
The blast occurred as miners resumed work, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Residents speculate that improper handling of explosives by mining companies could have triggered the incident.
A community member, Aminu, recounted, “The explosion occurred when the miners were just resuming work in the morning. Everybody is afraid to go close to the area for now because nobody knows what will happen next.”
He added, “Initially, people thought the explosion was from the hydroelectricity dam because it was very loud. It was later confirmed to have occurred at the mining site.”
Another resident suggested that the use of explosives by mining companies could be responsible.
“Serious mining activities are going on in that particular village, and it has been a long time. This incident has nothing to do with terrorists,” he noted.
While four bodies have been recovered, the full casualty count remains unclear, with fears of more victims. Investigations are ongoing, but state authorities and security agencies have yet to comment.