One person has been confirmed dead while five others remain trapped following the partial collapse of a private rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.
The incident occurred at a rice mill operated by NIA-AGRI, where a section of the facility reportedly gave way, trapping workers beneath metal debris.
As of the time, Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, visited the site on Tuesday evening, rescue operations were ongoing to save the trapped victims.
Leading a high-powered government delegation on an on-the-spot assessment, Tafida said the visit was to ascertain the extent of the damage and oversee emergency response efforts.
The delegation was briefed by the project engineer, who confirmed that one staff member died in the incident, while five others were still trapped under the rubble at the time of the visit.
A combined rescue team comprising personnel from the Kebbi State Fire Service and government emergency response agencies has been working continuously to locate and rescue the affected workers.
The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined. The deputy governor said a full investigation would be conducted after the rescue operation is concluded.
The Kebbi State Government expressed sympathy with the management and staff of NIA-AGRI and pledged to sustain support for the rescue efforts until all affected persons are accounted for.
