- The Commissioner of Police led a high-level visit to the scene to evaluate the rescue mission
- The police said two victims who had earlier been pulled out were pronounced dead by medical personnel
- He assured residents that a thorough investigation would be launched immediately after rescue efforts are concluded
At least two people have lost their lives after part of the processing equipment at a privately owned rice mill collapsed in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, leaving several others injured and some still trapped beneath the rubble.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the tragic incident in a statement released on Wednesday by its spokesperson, CSP Bashir Usman, following an early-morning structural failure at the Niagri Rice Production Facility in the Bulasa area of the city.
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According to the police, the Commissioner of Police led a high-level visit to the scene to evaluate the rescue mission and security situation after the rice parboiling section of the factory partially gave way. Emergency responders from various agencies were already working round the clock at the site.
The police said two victims who had earlier been pulled out were pronounced dead by medical personnel, while one injured worker received treatment and was discharged. Four other workers were said to be trapped as of the time of the briefing, with rescue operations still in progress.
The commissioner commended the coordinated response of the Nigeria Police, State and Federal Fire Services, and other emergency teams, noting that security had been tightened around the facility to prevent further danger.
He assured residents that a thorough investigation would be launched immediately after rescue efforts are concluded, while extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Government, through Deputy Governor Umar Tafida, also confirmed the collapse during an assessment visit to the facility on Tuesday evening.
He said the government sympathised with the management and workers of NIA-AGRI Rice Company and described the visit as necessary to determine the level of damage and monitor the emergency response.
Tafida added that the state would commence a full probe once all trapped workers are rescued, pledging continued government support until every affected person is accounted for.
As of the time of filing this report, firefighters and state emergency personnel were still battling to reach workers believed to be trapped under the collapsed structure.
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