Dozens of gold miners are trapped underground next a pit collapsed in central Nigeria.

The incident came about on Monday next bulky rain in Niger order however information used to be sluggish to emerge on account of the rustic’s basic collision, which used to be known as off on Tuesday.

Niger order extremity carrier company spokesman Hussaini Ibrahim instructed the BBC that one particular person has been showed lifeless and so they suppose over 30 folk are nonetheless trapped as rescue efforts proceed.

Officers imagine the fall down used to be led to by means of the torrential rains which softened the landscape.

“As at this morning [Wednesday] we believe over 30 people are still trapped, we can’t give you exact figures because even those on site didn’t know,” said Mr Ibrahim.

“One person has been confirmed dead and six persons were rescued and rushed to the hospital.”

He said that four excavators and rescue workers were at the scene trying to help those trapped.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake said that officials of the Mines Inspectorate had been sent to mining site in Galadima Kogo.

“Rest assured, we will investigate the causes of the disaster to prevent a recurrence and ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” he said in a statement.

Niger state is known as a hotbed of activity by criminal gangs who kidnap people for ransom.

Last year, mining activities were banned in the Shiroro area, where the mine collapsed, along with neighbouring districts, due to insecurity and safety concerns.

The state official said extra security had been provided to ensure that rescue workers were not abducted.

Mining accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria with many involving illegal miners going unreported.

In January, a disastrous which rocked Ibadan, killing two folk and injuring 77 others used to be stated to be from explosives saved by means of unlawful miners, the Oyo order govt introduced.