A section of NIA-AGRI, a private rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, has collapsed, killing two staff member and trapping four others under the metal wreckage.
The cause of the incident is yet to be determined, and rescue operations are ongoing to free those believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
A combined team from the State Fire Service and Government Emergency Response workers has been engaged in continuous efforts to locate and rescue the workers buried under the collapsed structure.
In a statement issued by the state Police Command’s spokesperson, Bashir Usman, confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police led a visit to the Facility located in the Bulasa area of the capital to assess ongoing rescue and security operations.
“As at the time of the visit, two persons who were earlier evacuated were confirmed dead by medical doctors. One injured victim has been treated and discharged, while four others are still trapped, with rescue efforts ongoing,” the statement said.
The Commissioner reassured the public that adequate security has been deployed and that a comprehensive investigation will commence after the rescue phase.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged the public to remain calm as further updates will be provided.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor Umar Tafida led a high-powered delegation on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the facility after it caved in on Tuesday evening.
According to the government, the visit was conducted to carefully assess the full extent of the damage caused by the collapse and to closely monitor the ongoing emergency response efforts
During the visit, Tafida indicated that a full investigation would be launched once the rescue phase is concluded and pledged to continue supporting the operation until all affected individuals are accounted for.
