The collapse happened at the NIA-AGRI rice milling facility, a key player in the state's bustling agro-industry that supports hundreds of jobs. Emergency teams, including firefighters from the Kebbi State Fire Service and other responders, rushed to the scene and have been working tirelessly with heavy equipment to carefully dig through the twisted metal and debris, hoping to reach the trapped workers alive.
Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, quickly led a high-level government team to the site for a firsthand look at the damage. Speaking there, he shared the state's deep condolences with the mill's management and staff, calling the event a painful tragedy. "Our top priority right now is rescuing those still trapped," Tafida said, promising full government backing until everyone is accounted for.
A project engineer at the mill briefed the delegation, confirming that one employee had died instantly in the collapse, while the five others remained unaccounted for beneath the wreckage as night fell.Officials say the exact cause of the structural failure isn't clear yet, but Senator Tafida assured that a detailed investigation will follow once the rescue wraps up, aimed at uncovering what went wrong and ensuring it never happens again.
Rice processing is a cornerstone of Kebbi's economy, with private mills like NIA-AGRI playing a vital role in turning the state's abundant harvests into jobs and food security.
Incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks workers face and the need for stronger safety measures across industrial sites.As rescue efforts continue into the evening, families and the community hold out hope for good news, while the state government stands ready to support those affected in any way possible.
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