According to the Niger State Police Command, the owner of the dynamites that detonated in the state’s Mashegu Local Government Area, killing one person and wounding six others, is still at large.
The incident occurred on Monday in Sabon-Pegi, Mashegu LG, when dynamites that one Yushau had stored in a residential neighbourhood for a fictitious mining operation exploded.
Fatima Sadauki was killed in the Monday event, which was confirmed by State Commissioner of Police Shawulu Danmamman. Six other people were injured. In addition, twelve residential buildings were demolished.
“At around 7.30 am on January 26, 2025, some suspected dynamites that were allegedly stored in a residential area by one Yushau for alleged mining operations exploded at Sabon-Pegi, Mashegu LGA.
“Fatima Sadauki tragically lost her life in the explosion, while six other people were hurt and sent to General Hospital Kainji for treatment.
“An inquiry into the incident has begun, and it affected roughly 12 homes in the neighbourhood. Although the Command’s EOD-CBRN squad has been sent to the area for evaluation, the aforementioned Yushau is still at large. However, while monitoring is ongoing, the area has returned to normal,” Danmamman stated.
The police chief stated that by providing the police with intelligence, the command expected more from the community.
The catastrophe could have been prevented, he continued, “if the community had identified the dynamite owner and told the police what kind of business he does. We would have arrested the suspect and evacuated the items.”
He exhorted the people of the state to always work with the police to fight crime.
He stated, “For the safety of our community, people should speak up when they see something.”
