The federal government has mobilised first responders/rescuers to the scene of a collapsed mining site in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro local government area (LGA) of Niger state.
The minister of solid minerals development, Dr Dele Alake said the swift action of the government underscores its commitment to mitigating the adverse impact of the incident and rescuing those still trapped in the rubble.
In a statement by the special adviser to the minister on media Segun Timori, “Upon learning of the incident, we mobilised our Federal Mines Officer (FMO) and officials of the Mines Inspectorate to the site. In collaboration with the mining company, we have rescued seven victims, some with injuries.
Rescue operations with excavators are ongoing to ensure we avert loss of lives,” Alake added.
It would be recalled that the minister recently announced a policy making remedial measures for mining pits mandatory as part of the criteria for applying for mining licenses which aims to minimize such occurrences.
The statement noted that the ministry is actively monitoring the situation at the mining site operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd while assuring Nigerians of the federal government’s resolve to investigate the remote causes of the disaster to in order to prevent a reocurrence.