In a harrowing incident that underscores the growing menace of illegal mining in Nigeria, two young men have lost their lives following the collapse of an unauthorised mining site in the remote village of Farin-Doki, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Confirming the tragedy, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, issued a statement late Monday detailing the events that unfolded on Sunday evening. According to the police, the two victims, both believed to be natives of Kano State, were fatally trapped beneath tons of debris when the unstable rock structure gave way.
“We received a report that a mining site in Farin-Doki had caved in,” the statement read. “Personnel from the Erena Division swiftly mobilised to the scene alongside local volunteers and launched a rescue operation.”
Despite their best efforts, the operation resulted in the recovery of two lifeless bodies buried deep under the rubble. The remains were transported to a hospital in Zumba for formal documentation and further investigation.
DSP Abiodun revealed that preliminary findings suggest the victims had entered the site under the cover of night, presumably to engage in illegal mining activities—an increasingly common but dangerous pursuit in the region.
“It was during these unauthorised operations that the rockslide tragically occurred,” he noted, adding that the unstable terrain and lack of regulatory oversight likely contributed to the fatal collapse.
The police command has since launched a full-scale investigation into the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illegal mining operations, which it described as not only unlawful but also a grave threat to human life, public order, and state security.
As Niger State continues to grapple with the challenges posed by unregulated mining—often driven by economic desperation—the government faces renewed calls to tighten enforcement, raise awareness about the dangers involved, and provide safer, legal avenues for economic survival.
This tragic event serves as yet another grim reminder of the human cost associated with illegal resource exploitation and the urgent need for a coordinated response from authorities at all levels.
PIONEER NEWS 