The All Progressives Congress (APC) has donated N52 million to support the families of 37 miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State. This was disclosed by Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, when he received the National Working Committee of the APC, led by its National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, during a condolence visit over the deaths. The governor expressed appreciation to the party leadership for visiting the state and providing financial assistance to the affected families.
According to Governor Bago, arrangements had been made to ensure that the money reached the intended beneficiaries. A state committee headed by his Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, would oversee the distribution. The committee would work with the Emir of Minna, Farouk Umar-Bahago, to identify and reach the affected families. This move aims to provide support to those affected by the tragic incident.
The deaths of the miners have generated widespread concern and calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Governor Bago had earlier inaugurated a nine-member judicial commission of inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 miners in NSCDC custody. The bereaved families have also demanded justice and compensation, with some relatives alleging that they were denied access to the detained miners before they were informed of their deaths.
During the condolence visit, Yilwatda expressed the APC’s sympathy to the Niger State Government and residents, describing the incident as a difficult moment for the state. He prayed for strength and comfort for the affected families, while assuring Bago of the party’s support for his administration. Yilwatda also said the party believed that evil would not prevail over the goodness of the people.
The APC chairman, along with the party's National Working Committee, also visited the palace of the Emir of Minna to extend its condolences to the traditional ruler. This gesture demonstrates the party's solidarity with the state and its people during this challenging time. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and welfare of miners in the country.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over deaths linked to mining activities across the country. In Bauchi State, at least nine miners reportedly died after heavy rainfall flooded a mining pit at Zurfi Mining Company in Nahuta village, Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area. The incident occurred on September 26, 2026, while contracted miners were working at Pit 3 of the mining site.
The victims in the Bauchi incident have been identified, and post-mortem examinations were conducted before their remains were released to their relatives for burial. The police command added that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident. The APC's donation to the families of the miners in Niger State is a gesture of support and solidarity with those affected by these tragic incidents.
Key points
- The APC donated N52 million to support the families of 37 miners who died in Niger State.
- A judicial commission of inquiry has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the miners.
- The incidents have raised concerns about the safety and welfare of miners in the country.
