Dozens of gold seekers are trapped underground after a well collapsed in central Nigeria.
The incident happened on Monday after heavy rain in Niger state, but news emerged slowly due to the country’s general strike, which was called off on Tuesday.
Niger State Emergency Service spokesperson Hussaini Ibrahim told the BBC that one person had been confirmed dead and more than 30 people remained trapped as rescue efforts continued.
Officials believe the collapse was caused by heavy rainfall that softened the ground.
“As we believe this morning (Wednesday) that there are still more than 30 people trapped, we cannot give you exact figures because even those on the ground did not know,” Mr Ibrahim said.
“One person has been confirmed dead and six persons have been rescued and rushed to hospital.”
He said four excavators and rescue workers were on site to help the prisoners.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, said officials from the Mines Inspectorate had been dispatched to the Galadima Kogo mining site.
“Rest assured, we will investigate the causes of the disaster to prevent recurrence and ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” he said in a statement.
Mining accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria, with many illegal miners going unreported.
In January, a deadly blast that rocked Ibadan, killing two people and injuring 77 others, was said to have originated from explosives stockpiled by illegal miners, the Oyo state government announced.
You may also be interested in
Is Nigeria on the right track after a year of Tinubu?
Cost of Living in Nigeria: People Turn to ‘Disposable Rice’ for Food
Mr. Ibu – the man who made Africa laugh
