- A dynamite explosion at a mining site in Sabon-Pegi killed at least three people and injured several others on Sunday morning
- The blast, caused by a locally known explosive device, damaged 40 houses and vehicles, with potential for rising casualties
An explosion at a mining site in Sabon-Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, has claimed at least three lives and injured several others.
The tragic incident occurred around 8 a.m. on Sunday, reportedly triggered by an explosive device used by miners. Witnesses stated that a woman, a man, and a young boy died instantly, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The explosion also caused significant damage to approximately 40 houses and nearby parked vehicles.
Abdullah Baba Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the incident.
“NSEMA received a report about an explosive incident in Sabon-Pegi, Mashegu LGA, at around 7:30 a.m. on January 26, 2025,” Arah said. He explained that the explosion was caused by a device known locally as nakiya, which had been stored in a rented apartment by Yushehu, an artisan miner.
According to Arah, although he resides in New Bussa, Yushehu rented an apartment for his workers. NSEMA officials from Mashegu and Borgu LGAs are conducting rescue operations and assessing the extent of the damage.
Local sources have expressed concerns that the death toll may rise due to the severity of injuries and the collapse of buildings on some victims.
