Niger State has witnessed a series of devastating tragedies over the past three weeks, resulting in over 100 deaths, multiple injuries, and the destruction of homes, shops, and properties worth millions of naira.
The first incident occurred in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area, where a petrol tanker explosion claimed more than 100 lives, injured 89 people, and completely razed residential houses and businesses.
Barely recovering from the Dikko disaster, another tanker accident occurred along the Agaie-Lapai road. A petrol-laden tanker overturned and spilled its content, but a major catastrophe was averted as the accident happened at a time when nearby villagers were not around to scoop the fuel.
While residents were still counting their losses, a third tragedy struck in Sabon Pegi town, Mashegu Local Government Area, when a massive explosion rocked a shop storing explosives and other dangerous weapons. The explosives, allegedly supplied to illegal miners in the area, triggered a blast that killed multiple people and leveled nearby buildings.
Eyewitnesses Speak on Explosives Warehouse
A local resident, Hassan Idris, revealed that the shop had been used as a storage facility for explosives for over a year.
"He rented a room in the building and stocked it with explosives. We later discovered that he was from Kainji town, not our village," Idris said.
Another resident, Haruna, stated that the shop owner operated discreetly, drawing little attention.
“No one suspected anything. We only saw him coming and going with people. It wasn’t until the explosion that we realized the shop was a warehouse for dangerous materials sold to illegal miners,” he added.
Authorities Disown Suspect, Government Takes Action
The former chairman of the Niger State Miners Association, Muhammed S.D. Mambo, distanced the group from the suspect.
"We do not know Yushau (the alleged seller of explosives). He is not a member of our association, and we disown him. No reasonable person would store explosives in a residential area," Mambo stated.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has taken decisive action against illegal mining. He has ordered individuals engaged in the trade, particularly in Mashegu LGA, to surrender their explosives and dangerous weapons immediately to prevent future disasters.
The series of incidents have raised serious concerns about safety regulations and the unchecked activities of illegal miners in the state.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau Officially Steps Down
Monstrous Rapist Who Claimed His DNA ‘Changed’ Sentenced To 13 Years In Prison
Actress, Chika Flaunts Her Post Baby Body Few Weeks After Welcoming First Child
Actor, Williams Uchemba Recounts Experience Living In A ‘Demon-Possessed’ House
Woman Shares How She Went From Being Black To White Following Cancer Treatment
Middle-Aged Woman Dies After Jumping Off Third Mainland Bridge In Lagos in Sheer Su!cide