The death toll from a mining explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 25, with several other people sustaining injuries.
The blast occurred on Sunday, following a previous explosion just a week ago on the Dikko-Maje-Minna road, where a fuel tanker exploded.
In addition to the confirmed fatalities, many individuals, including women and children, are still missing, and local residents are continuing to search for bodies.
Some victims are believed to be trapped under rubble from the explosion, which also destroyed several residential buildings and shops in the area.
While the cause of the explosion is still under investigation, sources suggest that explosives used for mining at the site were improperly stored in a nearby shop.
It is suspected that these explosives, stored by a man identified as Yushau from New Bussa, detonated, leading to the deadly explosion. Yushau is currently at large, and authorities have launched a manhunt to locate him.
A local resident named Ahmed shared his account of the incident, noting that the explosion happened just as miners were starting their work for the day.
He added that villagers are fearful of further explosions, with concerns that more explosives could still detonate in the area.
While there have been terrorist activities in the region, Ahmed believes this explosion was likely caused by mishandling of explosives used for mining.
The Niger State Police, in a statement from Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that dynamite caused the explosion.
The police statement detailed that the dynamites were stored in a residential home by Yushau, who intended to use them for mining purposes.
The explosion claimed the life of one woman, Fatima Sadauki, while six others were injured and taken to the General Hospital in Kainji for treatment.
The explosion affected about twelve homes in the area.
Niger State’s Police Commissioner, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, has ordered an investigation into the explosion.
Efforts to locate the fugitive suspect, Yushau, are ongoing, and while normalcy has been restored in the area, authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent further incidents.
