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One worker has been confirmed dead, while five others remain trapped following the collapse of a section of a private rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, on Tuesday evening.
Rescue operations were ongoing as of the time of filing this report, with emergency responders working to reach victims believed to be buried beneath metal sheets and debris from the collapsed structure.
Government Assesses Situation
The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, led a government delegation to the scene to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the incident. He assured that the state government was fully committed to rescuing those still trapped.
“We are here to first assess the situation and, more importantly, to ensure that every possible effort is made to rescue those still trapped.
The safety of workers is paramount, and the government will remain fully engaged until this operation is concluded,” Tafida said.
Rescue Efforts Underway
A joint rescue team comprising the Kebbi State Fire Service and other emergency responders has been deployed to the site. Heavy-duty equipment is being used to carefully cut through the rubble in search of survivors.
A senior emergency official said the operation was being handled with extreme caution to prevent further casualties.
“The rescue operation is delicate, but our teams are doing everything possible to reach those trapped without causing further harm,” the official said.
Casualties and Investigation
A project engineer at the site confirmed that one staff member died instantly, while five others were believed to be trapped beneath the collapsed structure as of Tuesday night.
The cause of the collapse has yet to be determined. Deputy Governor Tafida stated that the state government would launch a full investigation after the rescue operation to establish the cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.
Industry Safety Concerns
Rice milling remains a major pillar of Kebbi State’s agro-industrial drive, with several private facilities operating across the state and employing hundreds of workers. The incident has raised renewed concerns about safety standards within the sector.
The state government expressed sympathy to the management and staff of NIA-AGRI, owners of the facility, describing the incident as tragic. Tafida also assured that affected families would receive government support.
“We pray for the safety of those still trapped and extend our condolences to the family of the deceased,” he said.
