Laraba MUREY
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has confirmed a dynamite explosion that rocked Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, early on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
The incident, which occurred at about 7:30 am, reportedly happened in a rented apartment where a local artisan miner stored the dynamite for his workers. The explosion destroyed property and left some residents of the area affected.
In a statement released on Monday, January 27, 2025, NEMA assured the public of its swift response. “Our Minna Operations Office is working in collaboration with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA to address the situation and provide relief to those affected,” the agency said.
Eyewitnesses described the explosion as devastating. A resident, Musa Ibrahim, lamented the damage caused. “We are living in fear. Many houses were affected, and some people have lost their belongings,” he said.
A community leader in Sabon Pegi called for tighter regulations on the storage of explosives in residential areas. “This could have been avoided if proper measures were in place. Authorities must act to prevent future incidents,” he said.
Efforts to contact the artisan miner were unsuccessful, as he was reportedly absent during the incident.
NEMA reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, adding that investigations into the explosion are ongoing.
