Illegal Mining Site Slides Kills 4 In Niger

Barely a year that 30 people died at a mining site in Galadima Kogo, another four people allegedly engaging in illegal mining have died in a mining slide in Farindoki a few kilometres from the initial collapse in the Shiroro local government area of Niger State.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the incident occurred at about 8 am yesterday in the Farin-Doki area, almost in the same manner as that of June last year in Galadima Kogo.

A source in the village hinted two of the victims were initially trapped by the rocks hanging on top of the deep chasm, and the other two got trapped while trying to rescue the initial two people trapped.

The police public relations officer (PPRO), Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and said, “Information was received that there was a collapse/slide at a mining site in the Farin-Doki area of Shiroro local government area.

“During the rock slides, two persons were trapped and were later identified as Buhari Kano and Mallam Tasiu, both of Kano State,” he added.

He said police operatives attached to Erena Div and community members mobilised to the scene for rescue, and unfortunately, suspected lifeless bodies of the two persons were recovered, and the bodies were taken to a hospital in Zumba, apparently confirming two deaths.

The PPRO said preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were suspected to have gone to the site at night for illegal mining activities before the rock slides occurred, adding that the incident was under further investigation.