Four more bodies have been recovered from the site of a mining pit collapse in Galkogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, two months after the disaster occurred.
The collapse, which took place on June 3, 2024, trapped numerous laborers at a site managed by African Minerals and Logistics Limited.
The District Head of Galadima-Kogo, Mallam Umar Aliyu, confirmed the discovery of the bodies on Wednesday.
He stated that they have since been taken to the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Specialist Hospital mortuary in Minna.
Aliyu revealed that two of the victims, who were Muslims, will be buried on Friday at the Palace of the Emir of Minna.
The remaining two, Christians, will be returned to their hometowns in Nasarawa State at the request of their families.
“Yesterday, four more bodies were recovered from the mining pit that collapsed in my community.
“Two of the victims were Muslims and will be buried at the Emir’s Palace on Friday. The other two were Christians, with one from Nasarawa State and the other from Zumba. Their families have requested their bodies for burial,” Aliyu stated.
This brings the total number of bodies recovered from the site to 14.
The District Head expressed deep concern for the families affected by the tragedy, noting that many, particularly the wives, remain traumatized by the loss of their loved ones.
“The community is helping the families, especially the wives and children, who are still living in shock.
“The company manager also provided each family with N200,000,” Aliyu added.
He further pointed out the ongoing impact on the victims’ children, many of whom have been forced out of school following the loss of their fathers, who were the primary breadwinners.
The Niger State Government has reportedly established a committee to disburse N50 million in support of the victims’ families.