Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has described the deaths of 37 artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as unfortunate, saying the incident has attracted significant attention both locally and internationally.
Bago made this known on Tuesday when he received a delegation of traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who visited him at the Government House in Minna to offer their condolences.
The governor praised traditional rulers across the state for their active contribution to maintaining peace and harmony within their respective communities.
Bago thanked the traditional rulers for their visit and expression of sympathy, describing the gesture as a show of leadership and solidarity with the government and people of Niger State.
He also commended traditional institutions for their support and cooperation with his administration, particularly their role in maintaining law and order through ward and village heads across the state.
The governor specifically appreciated the Emirs, including the Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago, for their efforts to keep their communities calm following the incident.
Bago acknowledged that Niger State faces several challenges, including insecurity, but said his administration was working with the Federal Government to tackle them and promote peace and stability across the state.
Earlier, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, described the deaths of the 37 artisanal miners as tragic and prayed for Allah to forgive their souls.
He urged Governor Bago to remain steadfast and prayed for Allah to continue to provide the governor with guidance, wisdom and strength to lead the state to greater heights.
The traditional ruler also commended Bago’s efforts to promote peace and development in Niger State.
Yahaya further called on stakeholders to comply with the rules and regulations governing their activities, stressing that adherence to the law was essential for peace and harmonious coexistence in the state.