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 carrying out rescue operations at the scene as of press time, working to reach victims believed to be buried beneath twisted metal and debris from the collapsed structure.
The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, visited the site alongside other government officials to assess the situation firsthand and coordinate response efforts.
Tafida assured that the state government was fully committed to ensuring the safe rescue of those still trapped, stressing that all available resources had been mobilised for the operation.
“Our immediate priority is to rescue those still under the rubble. The safety of workers is extremely important to us, and the government will remain actively involved until this rescue effort is completed,” the deputy governor said.
The state government also expressed sympathy to the management and staff of NIA-AGRI, owners of the facility, describing the incident as a painful tragedy.
A project engineer at the site told officials that one worker died instantly when the structure collapsed, while five others were believed to be trapped as of Tuesday night.
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A joint rescue team comprising personnel of the Kebbi State Fire Service and other emergency agencies has been deployed to the area. Heavy-duty equipment is being used to carefully remove debris in search of survivors.
A senior emergency official at the scene said the rescue operation was being carried out cautiously to prevent further casualties.
“This is a sensitive operation. Our teams are proceeding carefully to ensure that those trapped are reached safely without triggering additional collapse,” the official said.
The cause of the structural failure has not yet been established.
Tafida said a full investigation would be conducted after the rescue operation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Rice milling plays a significant role in Kebbi State’s agro-industrial development, with several privately owned facilities operating across the state and employing hundreds of workers. The incident has renewed concerns over safety standards within the sector.
The deputy governor also assured that the government would provide support to affected families and offer necessary assistance.
“We pray for the safety of those still trapped and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased,” he added.
