The Niger State Government has expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for pledging ₦250 million in support for the families of 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as 32 survivors of the incident.
The state government also commended President Bola Tinubu and the federal delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima for visiting Niger State to sympathise with the affected families despite their demanding official schedules.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the state government described the visit as a demonstration of compassion and solidarity with residents during a difficult period.
During the visit, Shettima described the incident as tragic and conveyed the Federal Government’s sympathy to the bereaved families.
He reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to protect citizens, stressing that security personnel must be held accountable for their actions and that wearing a uniform does not exempt anyone from the law.
The Vice President also assured the affected families that the government recognised their demand for answers and justice, adding that the investigation and any subsequent action must follow due process.
He appealed to residents not to use the tragedy to attack or unfairly blame Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, urging restraint and fairness while the state mourns the victims.
Separately, the Niger State Government announced financial assistance of ₦5 million for each family of the deceased and ₦2 million for each survivor.
According to the state government, the support is intended to assist the affected families and encourage survivors to abandon illegal and hazardous mining activities.
Governor Bago described the pursuit of justice as a moral obligation, particularly when citizens lose their lives in the custody of institutions established to protect them.
He assured the Federal Government that his administration would cooperate fully with the investigation and support efforts to strengthen mining regulation, improve safety and protect the state’s mineral resources.
The governor also expressed gratitude to government agencies, organisations and individuals across the country who visited Niger State or sent condolence messages to the government and affected families.
He said the show of solidarity had provided support to the people of the state as they continue to mourn the victims and seek answers over the incident.
