Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, on Sunday led a state government delegation to a special three-day prayer session held in honour of the 37 artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
The prayer, held at the Central Mosque in Tunga, Minna, brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities and residents who gathered to pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for peace in the state.
The prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Minna, Malam Jibril Isah, who offered special supplications for the victims and their families.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bago appealed to residents, especially young people, to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands as investigations into the incident continue.
He said, “The government is doing everything possible to get to the crux of the matter, and when investigations are finalized, it will be made public.”
The governor urged Niger residents to shun violence and remain law-abiding, assuring them that the state government is committed to ensuring justice and transparency.
He also announced that the government, working with the Minna Emirate, has begun compiling the details of the families affected by the tragedy to provide relief and support.
According to him, “The government in collaboration with the Minna Emirate is taking the data of the families of all those who died and give them palliatives and support to the families including those recuperating at the hospital.”
Governor Bago further disclosed that the state government has held a series of meetings with the Nigeria Miners Association and the Mine Workers Association to discuss measures aimed at preventing a recurrence.
He stressed that the ban on illegal mining in the state remains in force and warned that it would continue to be strictly enforced.
The deaths of the 37 miners have sparked nationwide concern and prompted swift action from both the Niger State Government and the Federal Government.
Following the incident, the Federal Ministry of Interior suspended the NSCDC Commandant in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, alongside several officers linked to the case to allow for an impartial investigation.
The Presidency also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would ensure a thorough investigation into the incident and that anyone found culpable would face the law.
Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, visited Niger State in the aftermath of the tragedy, where he met with Governor Bago, security chiefs and community leaders. The police chief pledged full support for ongoing investigations and directed that every aspect of the incident be professionally examined to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The state government has since imposed stricter security measures, including the continued enforcement of the ban on illegal mining activities, while engaging mining stakeholders on safer and lawful mining practices.
The latest prayer session forms part of ongoing efforts by the Niger State Government to mourn the victims, calm public tension and reassure residents that justice will be served as investigations continue.
