Rescuers are urgently searching for dozens of workers trapped in a collapsed gold mine in northcentral Nigeria, following the devastating incident in the remote Shiroro district of Niger state. The collapse occurred on Monday after heavy rains weakened the soil, leading to the disaster.
State emergency services have confirmed one fatality and reported at least 30 workers missing. However, local residents fear the number of trapped individuals could be as high as 44.
Niger state is known for its rich mineral deposits, but the mining sector is plagued by corruption, illegal operations, and poor working conditions, especially in remote areas with limited government oversight.
Abdullahi Arah, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, highlighted the dangers faced by first responders, who initially had to flee for safety as the mine continued to collapse. Despite these challenges, rescue operations resumed, though efforts to widen the deep pit to reach the trapped workers have proven difficult.
Emergency services spokesperson Ibrahim Hussaini described the enormity of the task: “When you have something almost as tall as a three-story building down into the ground, how will an excavator get to that place?”
On Thursday, anxious families gathered near the site, watching as rescuers painstakingly worked to clear the remaining debris. Among those trapped is Yakubu Galkogo, who was on his first day of work at the mine. His wife and two children are deeply concerned, according to his brother, Auwal Suleiman.
Suleiman has called on the government to deploy additional workers and equipment to aid the rescue efforts. “There is a lot of tension here,” he said, reflecting the community’s growing anxiety and desperation as the search continues.
