The Federal Government has attributed the deadly explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, to the illegal stockpiling of explosives by a local resident, Yushua Maikampala.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, revealed this in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori. The explosion, which occurred on Sunday morning, claimed three lives, destroyed 40 houses, and displaced many residents.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Maikampala had been illegally purchasing and storing explosives and accessories in a residential building in the area. According to eyewitness accounts, the tragedy was triggered by an electrical spark around 7 am, which ignited the stored materials, leading to a massive explosion that devastated the community.
The minister dispatched officials from the Federal Mines Office to the site for an on-the-spot assessment. He also directed the Mines Inspectorate Department to conduct a forensic analysis of soil samples from the scene to determine the source of the explosives.
In his reaction, Dr. Alake described the incident as “avoidable,” attributing it to negligence and a failure to comply with safety protocols. He extended his condolences to the victims and their families while pledging that the government would ensure justice is served.
“Security agencies have been put on the trail of the suspected culprit. He will be apprehended to face justice,” the statement read.
Dr. Alake reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to enforcing strict environmental and safety standards in mining operations to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies.
This explosion adds to the growing concerns over illegal handling of explosives in the country. In 2024, over 30 lives were lost to similar incidents at mining sites, prompting calls for stricter regulations and enforcement.
