More than three weeks after a mining pit collapsed in Galkogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, over 30 miners remain trapped, according to victims’ families and residents.
The Incident
On June 3, a 400-meter-deep mining pit owned by African Minerals and Logistics Limited collapsed after heavy rainfall. Initial reports from government agencies, including the police, indicated that 20 people were trapped and six had been rescued. However, families and locals insisted that 50 individuals were trapped and that the six individuals who escaped did so before the pit fully caved in.
Rescue Efforts
Initial rescue efforts stalled due to a lack of appropriate equipment. Recent findings indicate that recovery efforts have resumed but are being conducted manually. Families of the victims have expressed frustration over the slow progress and lack of government involvement in the rescue operations.
Victims’ Families Speak Out
Suleiman Isah, whose younger brother is among the trapped victims, criticized the government’s response, stating, “We are confused. I was crying when your call came in because my younger brother is among the victims. The recovery team has not been able to bring his body out.”
He explained that his brother’s left leg had been severed due to falling stones and that three other bodies were trapped beneath him. Isah also noted that the company responsible for the pit was handling the recovery efforts without any help from state or federal authorities.
Government Response
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announced a N50 million federal government donation to support the victims’ families. However, Isah mentioned that no money had been received yet, despite the announcement being widely reported on social media and news platforms.
Community Reactions
Mallama Safiya Ibrahim, the wife of one of the trapped victims, expressed hope that her husband would be rescued alive and criticized the government’s efforts. Ummi Musa, whose brother is also trapped, condemned the use of manual labor for the rescue operation, stating that proper equipment would have expedited the process.
Recent Developments
Four mutilated bodies were recovered manually on Monday and Tuesday, according to Babangida Zaharadeen Kudodo, president of the Lakpma Youth Forum. Kudodo emphasized that recovery operations were being conducted without machines, and the unpleasant odor from the pit made the situation more challenging.
Calls for Accountability
The Niger State chapter of the Federation of Nigeria Mining Host Communities threatened to sue African Minerals and Logistics Limited. The association’s communiqué called for an investigation into whether the company had obtained the necessary licenses or permits to operate the site.
Official Statements
Habibu Abubakar Wushishi, the director of media and strategy for the Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, acknowledged the ongoing recovery efforts but highlighted the difficulties due to the pit’s depth. Emmanuel Odoh, the CEO of African Minerals and Logistics Limited, declined to provide detailed information, directing inquiries to the accident site for firsthand observation.
The situation remains dire, with families and communities anxiously awaiting the recovery of their loved ones and calling for greater government intervention and accountability from the responsible company.
