A tragic explosion in the Sabon-Pegi community of Mashegu Local Government Area in Niger State has resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, with several others injured. The incident occurred around 8 AM on Sunday when an explosive device, reportedly belonging to local miners, detonated.
Victims of the explosion included a woman, a man, and a young boy, all of whom died instantly. The blast also caused damage to approximately 40 houses and several parked vehicles in the vicinity.
Abdullah Baba Arah, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), confirmed the incident, stating that it was caused by an explosive (nakiya) stored in a rented apartment by a local artisan miner named Yushehu, who resides in New Bussa.
Arah noted that NSEMA’s desk officers from Mashegu and Borgu LGAs are currently on-site conducting a thorough assessment and coordinating rescue operations. Local sources have indicated that the death toll may rise, as some individuals are trapped under collapsed structures due to the explosion.
This incident adds to the growing concerns about safety in mining operations in the region, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and oversight in handling explosives.