A mining pit has collapsed, claiming the lives of three persons in Adunu community in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The site, which was said to be an illegal mining operation, primarily attracted women and children from the community.
Abdullahi Baba’arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the fatalities and noted that one person was rescued from the rubble.
Baba’arah stated that all those trapped were recovered from the pit following efforts from the community.
Yusuf Shuaibu, state Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, stated that the incident occurred around 10 a.m.
Shuaibu stated that an unconfirmed number of workers were trapped when the pit caved in.
He said the association quickly mobilized a team for an on-the-spot assessment of the scene, with support from the Niger State Government.