Niger State government has supported families of each of the 37 artisanal miners that lost their lives with N5m while the 32 survivors were presented with N2m each.
The State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago who presented the Cheques to the Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago at the Council Chamber, Government House Minna said, the gesture is to support them and cushion the effect, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor’s spokesperson disclosed in a statement on Monday.
Bago said, the gesture is also to support them to venture into other things and encouraged them to desist from unprofessional mining.
He also disclosed that his administration has asked the State Universal Basic Education Board to establish schools that will encourage the children enrol in schools instead of risking their lives in artisanal mining.
Farmer Bago used the medium to appreciate the families of the deceased and the survivors for their perseverance and patience.
He also commended the Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago for his efforts at promoting peace in his domain and for his role in counselling families of the deceased.
The Governor equally appreciated him for his continuous support to his administration.
In his response, the Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago who spoke on behalf of the families of the deceased and the survivors appreciated the farmer governor for the kind gesture.
He promised that the Emirate will ensure that all the money gets to the rightful beneficiaries.
