Niger Government Appreciates Federal Govt’s N250m Support For Miners’ Families

The Niger State Government has appreciated the Federal Government for its quick response and the N250 million support pledged the families of the 37 young artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state and the 32 survivors.

The state government also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government delegation led by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for visiting the state despite his tight official schedule.

In a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the government said the visit showed compassion and solidarity with the people at a difficult time.

During the visit, Vice President Shettima described the incident as unfortunate and said the Federal Government shared the pain of the bereaved families.

He said the government remained committed to protecting every citizen, adding that no uniform should give anyone immunity from accountability.

Shettima also said the government owed the families answers and justice, while due process must be followed in dealing with everyone involved.

He urged people not to use the tragedy to attack or demonise Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, calling for fairness at a time of mourning.

Meanwhile, Niger State Government also announced N5 million for each family of the deceased and N2 million for each survivor. It said the support was meant to help the families and encourage survivors to move away from illegal and unsafe mining.

Governor Bago said the demand for justice was a moral responsibility, especially to ensure that citizens do not lose their lives in the hands of those meant to protect them.

He assured the Federal Government of the state’s full cooperation with the investigation and support for efforts to regulate mining activities and protect national assets in Niger State.

The Farmer Governor Umaru Bago also used the opportunity to thank government agencies, groups and individuals from all parts of the country who visited or sent condolence messages and shared the moment of grief with the government and people of Niger State.