‘Mining Activities!’ Stored Dynamite Explodes, Kills Resident, Houses Destroyed in Niger

One person has died and six others sustained injuries in a dynamite explosion that occurred in Sabon-Pegi in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Abiodun said the explosion, which occurred at about 7:30 a.m., was caused by dynamites kept in the area by a suspect for mining activity.

He stated that the victim, identified as Fatima Sadauki, lost her life in the explosion, while the six injured persons were rushed to the General Hospital, Kainji, for medical attention.

He noted that the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Danmamman, has ordered an investigation into the incident and dispatched the EOD-CBRN unit to the scene for assessment.

The police spokesperson said the suspect, who stored the explosives for “mining activities”, is now at large.

“On January 26th, 2025 at about 7.30am, there was an explosion of some suspected dynamites at Sabon-pegi, Mashegu LGA which was reportedly kept in a residential area by one Yushau for a purported mining activity,” Abiodun said in a statement.

“The explosion led to the unfortunate death of one Fatima Sadauki, while six others were injured and taken to general hospital Kainji for medical attention.

“The incident affected about twelve houses in the area and the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman has ordered for an investigation into the incident, dispatched EOD-CBRN unit to the scene for assessment, but the said Yushau is currently at large. However, normalcy has been restored in the area while monitoring continues.”

Abiodun added that normalcy has been restored in the area, with monitoring ongoing to prevent further incidents.

Ibadan Incident

Recall that in January 2024, at least five people were killed in an explosion in Bodija axis of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

Seyi Makinde, the state governor, said the blast was caused by explosive devices stored in a residential apartment by illegal miners.