The death toll from the Sunday morning explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 25, with many others injured and receiving treatment in hospitals across New Bussa.
The explosion, which caused massive destruction, reduced over 50% of the village’s residential buildings and shops to rubble.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, as several people, including women and children, remain missing or trapped under the debris.
Sources suggest the blast might have originated from explosive devices stored in a shop near the mining site.
Allegations point to a man identified as Yushau, who reportedly stored explosives in his uncle’s house, which also served as his shop.
Yushau has reportedly fled the area and is currently in hiding.
The military has since cordoned off the scene while villagers continue searching for more bodies amid the ruins.