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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has revealed that the deadly explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed three lives and destroyed 40 houses, was caused by the illegal stockpiling of explosives by a resident, Yushua Maikampala.
In a statement released by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Monday, preliminary investigations identified Maikampala’s unauthorized storage of explosives as the source of the tragedy.
The statement disclosed that Maikampala had allegedly been purchasing and storing explosives and related accessories in a residential building, which led to the devastating incident.
Investigation and Response
The explosion, reportedly triggered by an electrical spark around 7 a.m. on Sunday, destroyed the building housing the explosives and affected numerous other structures. Local resident Ibrahim Mustapha confirmed that over 40 people were impacted by the blast.
Minister Alake responded swiftly by dispatching officials from the Federal Mines Office to the scene for an immediate assessment. He also extended his condolences to the victims and their families, describing the incident as preventable and a result of negligence.
“Preliminary findings suggest the explosion was caused by the unauthorized stockpiling of explosives by one Yushua Maikampala, a resident of New Bussa,” the statement read.
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Measures and Forensic Analysis
Alake directed ministry officials, including the Mines Inspectorate Department, to conduct a forensic analysis of soil samples from the blast site to trace the source of the explosives and guide further actions.
Tomori noted, “Security agencies have been tasked with apprehending the suspect to ensure he faces justice. The Federal Government is committed to enforcing strict safety and environmental standards to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Broader Context
In 2024, similar explosions at mining sites resulted in over 30 deaths and left many trapped, underscoring ongoing safety challenges in the sector. The government has reiterated its commitment to preventing such occurrences through stricter regulations and enforcement.
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