37 Deaths: Niger Govt Gives N5m Each To Families Of Illegal Mining Victims

The Niger State Government has presented cheques of N5 million each to the families of illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.

Governor Umar Bago presented the cheques on Monday when he received relatives of the deceased and survivors of the incident at the Government House in Minna.

Bago said the financial assistance was intended to cushion the effects of the tragedy on the affected families, stressing that no amount of money could replace the lives lost.

The governor also presented N2 million each to survivors of the incident.

He expressed appreciation to the families of the deceased and the survivors for their patience and perseverance while investigations into the incident continued.

Bago disclosed that the number of persons claiming to have been affected by the incident had increased, saying committees led by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, and the Minna Emirate would continue to verify the claims.

According to him, additional deaths have been linked to the incident, including one reportedly caused by a gunshot at the NSCDC facility, while two survivors were initially recorded at the facility.

The governor urged residents to avoid unsafe and unprofessional mining activities, warning against practices capable of endangering lives.

He encouraged the affected families to use the financial support to rebuild their lives and ensure that their children return to school.

Bago also announced plans to provide learning facilities in communities affected by the incident, with teachers to be deployed to ensure children in the areas have access to education.

Receiving the cheques on behalf of the families, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, commended the Niger State Government for the gesture.

He offered prayers for the state, the survivors and the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.