Niger state mine collapse: Thirty trapped in Nigeria – official

“As at this morning [Wednesday] we believe over 30 people are still trapped, we can’t give you exact figures because even those on site didn’t know,” said Mr Ibrahim .

“One person has been confirmed dead and six persons were rescued and rushed to the hospital.”

He said that four excavators and rescue workers were at the scene trying to help those trapped.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake said that officials of the Mines Inspectorate had been sent to mining site in Galadima Kogo.

“Rest assured, we will investigate the causes of the disaster to prevent a recurrence and ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” he said in a statement.

Mining accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria with many involving illegal miners going unreported.

In January, a deadly blast which rocked Ibadan, killing two people and injuring 77 others was said to be from explosives stored by illegal miners, the Oyo state government announced.