Illegal stockpiling of explosives triggered explosion in Niger – Minister

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has requested officials of the Federal Mines Office in Niger state to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area of State,

Dr. Alake said the assessment should include forensic analysis of soil samples collected from the blast site to determine the source of the explosives, which would guide government for the next course of action.

“Security agencies have been put on the trail of the suspected culprit. He will be apprehended to face justice.” The minister stated.

Dr Alake noted noted that preliminary investigations suggested that the explosion was caused by the illegal stockpiling of explosives by one Yushua Maikampala, a resident of New Bussa, who was believed to have been involved in purchasing and storing explosives in Sabo Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area.

According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was triggered by an electrical spark around 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, destroying the building where the explosives were stored and damaging approximately 20 other houses in the vicinity. At least two fatalities have been confirmed.

The Minister expresses his deepest condolences to the victims, describing the incident as avoidable given the negligence surrounding the handling and illegal storage of explosives by the alleged culprit.

Dr Alake said the federal government would ensure that mining operators adhere to strict environmental and safety standards to avert a recurrence of the unfortunate incident.