Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed disappointment over the handling of the case of 37 dead illegal miners by officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The incident occurred in Minna, the state capital. Governor Bago made his remarks when he received officials of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who paid him a sympathy visit at the Government House.
According to Governor Bago, the death of the artisanal miners could have been avoided if the NSCDC officials had handled the situation professionally. He announced that the government would investigate the issue to its logical conclusion. The governor prayed to God to console the relations of the deceased illegal miners. He also emphasized the need for continued peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic nationalities and adherents of the major religions in the state.
Governor Bago's administration will continue to accord equal treatment to all residents in the state. However, he advised religious leaders to use their pulpits to discourage parents from allowing their children to engage in artisanal mining. Instead, they should encourage them to enroll in schools, as basic education is free in the state. This, he believes, will help curb the menace of illegal mining.
The state CAN chairman, represented by his deputy, Rev. Joshua Markus Rikoto, condemned the death of the artisanal miners and commiserated with the bereaved families and the government and people of the state. Rev. Rikoto commended the state government for setting up a committee to investigate the matter and advised that the report of the committee should be implemented to give the public assurance that the government did not have any hand in the incident.
Rev. Rikoto also commended Governor Bago for his efforts in developing the state and his support for the Christian community. A special prayer for the repose of the souls of the deceased and continued peace in the state was offered by former CAN Chairman, Rev. Mathias Echioda. The prayer was a call for divine intervention and peace in the state.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of artisanal miners in the state and the need for the government to take proactive measures to regulate the sector. Governor Bago's administration has been working to develop the state and promote peaceful coexistence among its residents. The governor's commitment to equal treatment for all residents is expected to foster a sense of unity and cooperation.
The investigation into the incident is expected to reveal the circumstances surrounding the death of the 37 illegal miners. The government's commitment to implementing the report of the committee set up to investigate the matter will be crucial in determining the next steps to take. The incident has highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges of artisanal mining in the state.
Key points
- Governor Bago criticizes NSCDC officials' handling of the case as unprofessional.
- The government will investigate the issue to its logical conclusion.
- Governor Bago advises religious leaders to discourage artisanal mining and promote formal education.
