One dead, five trapped as rice mill collapses in Kebbi
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.
Emergency responders were still battling to reach the trapped workers at the time of filing this report, as rescue teams worked through heaps of metal and debris at the site.
Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, led a government delegation to the scene to assess the situation and oversee rescue efforts. He assured that the state government was fully committed to ensuring that all necessary measures were taken to save those still trapped.
“We are here to assess the situation and, more importantly, to ensure that every possible effort is made to rescue those trapped. The safety of workers is paramount, and the government will remain fully engaged until the operation is concluded,” Tafida said.
The state government expressed sympathy to the management and staff of NIA-AGRI, owners of the rice mill, describing the incident as a tragic loss.
A project engineer at the facility disclosed that one worker died instantly, while five others were believed to be trapped beneath the collapsed structure as of Tuesday night.
A joint rescue team made up of the Kebbi State Fire Service and other emergency agencies has been deployed to the site, using heavy-duty equipment to carefully cut through the rubble in search of survivors.
A senior emergency official said the rescue operation was being conducted with extreme caution to prevent further casualties. “The operation is delicate, but our teams are doing everything possible to reach those trapped without causing additional harm,” the official stated.
The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined. Tafida said the state government would launch a full investigation after the rescue operation to establish the cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.
Rice milling remains a key part of Kebbi State’s agro-industrial development, with several private facilities operating across the state and employing hundreds of workers. The incident has renewed concerns about safety standards within the sector.
The deputy governor assured that the state government would provide support to affected families and render necessary assistance. “We pray for the safety of those still trapped and extend our condolences to the family of the deceased,” he added.
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