The Federal Government has confirmed that a deadly explosion in Sabon Pegi, Niger State, which killed three people and destroyed 40 homes, was caused by the illegal stockpiling of explosives. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, stated that the explosion was triggered by a resident named Yushua Maikampala, who had been hoarding explosives in the area.
According to a statement from Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Maikampala's unauthorized storage of dangerous materials led to the tragic blast. Preliminary investigations revealed that Maikampala had been purchasing and storing explosives and related accessories in a house in Sabon Pegi.
The explosion, which occurred on Sunday around 7 a.m., is believed to have been sparked by an electrical issue. Eyewitnesses reported that it completely destroyed the house where the explosives were kept, as well as neighboring homes. Ibrahim Mustapha, a local resident, confirmed that more than 40 people were affected by the blast, with significant damage to the residential area.
In response to the incident, Minister Alake sent officials from the Federal Mines Office to assess the scene of the explosion. A forensic analysis of soil samples will also be carried out to determine the exact source of the explosives, which will help guide further actions.
The minister expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, calling the explosion a preventable tragedy. He criticized the negligence surrounding the illegal storage and handling of explosives, which led to the deadly outcome.
Alake also emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to enforcing strict environmental and safety standards in mining operations to prevent similar incidents in the future. Security agencies are now searching for Maikampala, who is expected to face justice for his role in the explosion.
This incident follows a series of explosions in 2024 that resulted in over 30 deaths and left several others trapped at mining sites. The government’s response aims to strengthen regulations and ensure better safety practices across the sector.