Niger mine collapse claims lives of two brothers

Over the weekend, two brothers, Zubairu Ibrahim and Sadiq Ibrahim, tragically lost their lives after a mine collapse in Kakaki village, Paikoro Local Government Area, Niger State.

This incident follows a series of mine collapses in the Shiroro and Paikoro areas over recent months.

The victims, aged 20 and 25, had left home without notifying their parents of their plans to mine for minerals.

Their father, Mallam Zubairu Ibrahim, initially believed the young men were out with friends. Upon their prolonged absence, he discovered they had gone to the mine site in hopes of finding valuable minerals like gold.

Community members, dispatched by the father, later found the brothers’ bodies buried under the collapsed mine soil at the riverbank.

During a visit from state Ministry of Mineral Resources officials, including Permanent Secretary Alhaji Yunusa Mohammed Nahauni and other dignitaries, Ibrahim expressed his grief over losing both sons in a single day.

Nahauni criticized the avoidable tragedy, emphasizing that it could have been prevented if the community had adhered to the Governor’s ban on mining.

He reiterated that the suspension remains in effect and warned that illegal mining operations will be met with legal action.

The Permanent Secretary offered condolences and highlighted the importance of informing the ministry about mineral discoveries to ensure proper handling and safety.