The mine collapse that occurred recently in Galkago community in Shiroro, Niger State has killed twenty people, and now, fourteen are still trapped and are currently awaiting rescue in a race against time.
The Commissioner of Police in Niger State Command, Shawulu Danmamman had confirmed this report while visiting the mine site on Wednesday.
The unfortunate incident had happened on Monday and is believed to have been caused by the heavy rains which softened the soil.
During his inspection of the mine, the Police Commissionr remarked that operators of the collapsed mining site had worked with no regard to safety measures and the welfare of the labourers.
Danmamman was accompanied by both the state commissioner of Homeland Security, Bello Muhammad, and the commissioner of solid minerals Garba Auna.
During the course of the inspection, the commissioner revealed how there was no provision for an ambulance nor equipped medical kits on-site as well as personnel to care for labourers in the event of an emergency.
At the conclusion of the site investigation, Danmamman stated that a formal investigation into the accident had begun and more details would be revealed in coming days.
Why It Matters
This incident brings attention to the urgent need for a stricter enforcement of safety regulations in mining operations in the country. The lack of essential safety measures such as on-site medical kits and emergency personnel points to the systemic neglect of laborers’ welfare and raises reasonable concerns about regulatory oversight in the mining industry.
While a formal investigation has been launched to uncover the details of the collapse and hold responsible parties accountable, this disaster will serve as a reminder of the deadly cost of poor/non-existent safety practices and the necessity for comprehensive reforms to protect workers in high-risk jobs.
