A devastating incident occurred at Tumu market in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria, where a 32-year-old woman, Hauwa'u Abubakar, lost her life after getting entangled in a rice milling machine. Abubakar, a mother of six, suffered a severe neck injury and was rushed to the Cottage Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Details of the Incident
- *Cause of Death*: Abubakar's flowing dress got caught in the rotating belt of the milling machine, resulting in a fatal neck injury.
- *Location*: The incident happened at Tumu market, a bustling commercial center in Akko Local Government Area.
- *Police Response*: The Gombe State Police Command has warned people to be cautious around milling and grinding machines, advising operators to install protective guards and keep children away.
Safety Precautions
To prevent similar tragedies, it's essential to take safety precautions when operating or working around rice milling machines. Some key measures include ¹ ²:
- *Wearing Proper Attire*: Avoid wearing flowing clothes or scarves that could get entangled in the machine.
- *Machine Maintenance*: Regularly inspect and maintain machines to ensure they're in good working condition.
- *Protective Guards*: Install protective guards around machines to prevent accidents.
- *Public Awareness*: Educate the public on the safe use of milling machines and the importance of reporting unsafe practices.
Rice Milling Industry in Nigeria
Nigeria has a growing rice milling industry, with several companies operating across the country. Some notable rice milling companies include ³:
- *Tim Tali Rice Mills Limited*: Based in Plateau State, specializing in premium parboiled rice production.
- *Alhamsad Rice Mill*: An indigenous producer of premium rice based in Kano, Nigeria.
- *Stine Industries Nigeria Limited*: Located in Anambra State, providing rice processing and milling services.
This tragic incident highlights the need for increased awareness and safety measures in the rice milling industry to prevent such accidents in the future.
