Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has received separate condolence visits from the state’s traditional rulers and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, following the deaths of 37 artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The two delegations expressed solidarity with the government, the bereaved families and the people of Niger State, while calling for calm and allowing relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The traditional rulers, led by the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, paid a condolence visit to Governor Bago at the Government House in Minna.
Receiving the delegation, Bago thanked the traditional rulers for their empathy and solidarity, particularly commending their continued efforts towards maintaining peace and stability across their respective domains.
The Governor described the deaths of the 37 artisanal miners as a deeply unfortunate incident that had attracted significant local and international attention. He praised the traditional institutions, particularly the Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago, for helping to keep their communities calm despite tensions generated by the incident.
Bago also acknowledged the deployment of ward and village heads by traditional institutions to maintain law and order, reassure residents and communicate with communities at the grassroots.
He said the state was confronted with several challenges, including insecurity, but noted that his administration was working with the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to address them.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Etsu Nupe described the deaths as tragic and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families to bear the loss.
He urged Governor Bago to remain steadfast in the face of the difficult circumstances, praying for divine wisdom and strength for him to continue leading the state.
The traditional ruler also appealed to stakeholders and residents to abide by the laws and regulations governing their activities, stressing that respect for established rules was essential for peace and harmonious coexistence.
In a separate development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, also paid a condolence visit to Governor Bago over the deaths of the young artisanal miners.
The delegation was led by the Vice Chairman of CAN Niger State, Rev. Joshua Markus Rikoto, who represented the state chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna.
Rev. Rikoto described the incident as tragic and deeply painful, saying the circumstances surrounding the deaths deserved a thorough investigation.
He commended the Niger State Government for constituting a panel of inquiry and urged the bereaved families and residents of affected communities to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue.
The CAN delegation expressed condolences to the government and people of Niger State, particularly the families of the deceased, while commending Governor Bago’s response to the incident.
The association also acknowledged the administration’s development efforts across the state and praised the recent appointment of members of the Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board, particularly those in the Christian Department.
Prayers were offered for the bereaved families and for divine guidance and strength for Governor Bago as his administration continues its development programmes.
Responding, Governor Bago thanked the CAN leadership for the visit, described it as a demonstration of love, solidarity and concern for the government and people of the state.
He said government and religious leaders had a shared responsibility to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that Niger State belonged to everyone irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
On the deaths of the 37 artisanal miners, Bago described the incident as deeply troubling and said it should not be ignored.
He assured the CAN delegation that, in line with the oath of office he swore to uphold, his administration would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.
The engagements with the traditional rulers and CAN leadership highlight the continuing role of traditional and religious institutions in promoting calm, dialogue and community reassurance following the deaths of the 37 miners.
