Niger Govt Donates N174 Million To Victims Of Dynamite Explosion

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the cash donation during a visit to the scene of the explosion to commiserate with the victims and community members.

He was accompanied by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Senator representing Niger North Senatorial District, Abubakar Sani Bello; Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji; federal and state lawmakers from the state; some State Executive Council members; All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts; and the Emir of Borgu, Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, among other dignitaries.

The governor explained that N5 million would be given to each household whose house was completely destroyed, N2 million to those whose houses were partially damaged, N1 million to the injured, N2 million to the families of the deceased, and N1 million to those whose vehicles were affected.

He said the cash donation was meant to provide relief to the victims, adding that a committee would be set up to ensure the judicious distribution of the funds.

Governor Bago acknowledged that the area has a large deposit of gold and lithium and is characterized by artisanal mining, which has led to insecurity due to the possession of explosives and firearms.

He urged residents to surrender their explosives and other dangerous weapons to the committee, which would comprise security agencies, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), traditional institutions, and other relevant stakeholders, for safe storage instead of keeping them in their houses.

While sympathizing with the victims, the governor, a farmer, encouraged the people to embrace the state government’s responsible mining policy for their safety.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Tinubu was deeply saddened by the incident, describing it as a man-made tragedy that must not be allowed to continue.

He stated that the president had directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify advocacy and enlightenment campaigns, particularly for those involved in illegal mining, to prevent a recurrence.

The minister also disclosed that the president had instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, and other relevant federal agencies to complement the efforts of the state government in alleviating the suffering of the victims.

He commended the state government’s response and assured that the Federal Government would build on these efforts to enhance public safety and prevent similar disasters.

Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, representing Niger North and a former governor of the state, described the incident as unfortunate. He emphasized the need for public education on best practices in mining and announced a personal donation of N50 million to the victims.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji; Member representing Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Mashegu Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Idris Garba; APC National Vice Chairman (North Central) and Chairman of the Bio-Safety Management Agency, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, commended Governor Bago for his concern and support for his constituents.

They unanimously condemned the practice of storing dynamites in residential homes and urged the people to desist from such dangerous activities for their own safety.

Earlier, the Chairman of Mashegu Local Government Area, Umar Jibrin Igade, appreciated Governor Bago’s visit and his continuous support for the people, especially during difficult times.

He revealed that he had been working closely with NSEMA and NEMA officials since the incident occurred and disclosed that 69 people were affected by the explosion. Of this number, two deaths were recorded, while six injured persons had been treated and discharged from the hospital.

The council chairman further revealed that 17 houses were completely destroyed, 35 were partially damaged, and nine vehicles were affected.

He stated that the council had imposed a temporary ban on artisanal mining in the local government, pointing out that many people were still found to be storing dynamites in their homes.

The council chairman also called on his counterpart in Magama, a neighboring local government, to enforce a similar temporary ban for more effective outcomes. He urged the state government to provide support in this regard.