Lack of adequate equipment hindering rescue operation at mining site collapse in Niger– CP
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Commissioner of Police, Niger Command, Mr Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman says the lack of adequate equipment and heavy rocks is hindering the rescue operation of the remaining miners trapped at a mining site in African Minerals Mining site at Galadima District via Erana in Shiroro local government area.
Danmamman who disclosed this on Thursday when he paid an on the spot assessment to the site of the incident said insecurity was not reason behind the rescue operation.
The CP was accompany by the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Commissioner for Environment.
According to the CP, there is urgent need to mobilize more men and equipments to ensure the urgent rescue of the trapped victims.
The state Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun told newsmen that, “On 3/6/2024 at about 1325hrs, there was a landslide on African Minerals Mining site at Galadima District via Erena, Shiroro LGA which trapped 20 persons from the site.
According to him, upon receipt of this incident, the Area Commander Shiroro, Officer in Charge of EOD-CBRN, DPO Shiroro Div among other officers of the Command with vigilante members were mobilized to the scene and made frantic efforts through which six persons were rescued.
He said that the rescue operation has been delayed due to lack of equipment from the site and the heavy rocks/rumbles, however more equipment have been moved to aid the rescue operation.
Abiodun stated that the engineer at the site confirmed that 20 persons were trapped under the rock but 6 persons have been rescued.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of minerals Resources told the district head and the villagers that they were at the scene on behalf of the Government and that the Government was not happy about the incident.
The CP also reminded the villagers that mining activities have been banned by the Government in the State, but people still go about the activities of mining. He warned the community members to desist from such act.
