Two people have been confirmed dead following the partial collapse of a section of a private rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, police and rescue officials said on Thursday.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at the NIA-AGRI Rice Production Facility in the Bulasa area of the city when part of the rice parboiling section of the mill gave way, trapping several workers under metal wreckage.

A statement by the Kebbi State Police Command on Wednesday said the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, led a security and rescue assessment team to the scene as emergency responders continued efforts to free survivors.

According to the statement, two persons who were earlier evacuated were confirmed dead by medical doctors.

One injured victim has been treated and discharged, while four others remained trapped under debris as of the time of the police visit.

Commissioner Sani commended the joint efforts of the police, the State and Federal Fire Services, and other relevant agencies involved in the rescue operations.

He also assured the public that adequate security had been deployed around the affected area and that a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collapse would begin after the rescue phase.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Kebbi State Government described the incident as painful and expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and those affected by the collapse.

Government officials said they would continue to support rescue efforts and provide necessary assistance to the victims’ families.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.