By Awwal Umar Kontagora Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said that the state and federal governments are working t...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said that the state and federal governments are working together to establish a responsible mining framework in Niger State.
The governor stated this when he received the Niger State Inter-Tribal Association, which paid him a condolence visit over the deaths of artisanal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
Bago emphasised the need to organise artisanal miners into cooperatives and ensure they have access to the necessary equipment and safety measures.
The governor, popularly known as the Farmer Governor, noted that numerous illegal activities take place around mining sites and urged parents to monitor their children closely to prevent them from engaging in unlawful activities.
“I want to call on you to continue to talk to your wards and children to desist from illegal activities, thuggery and rascality,” he said.
He expressed concern that many young people had abandoned school for menial jobs, particularly artisanal mining, warning that children should not be exposed to the dangers associated with such operations.
“A lot of our children have abandoned school for some menial jobs, most especially artisanal mining. The children should not be exposed to these very dangerous operations,” he said.
The governor appreciated the Inter-Tribal Association for the visit and its show of solidarity, assuring its members that his administration would not discriminate against anyone but would continue to promote unity and inclusiveness.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the Niger State Inter-Tribal Association, High Chief George Dike, described the deaths of the artisanal miners as tragic and unfortunate.
He commended the governor for the manner in which he handled the incident and for the steps taken to support the affected families.
“The Niger State Inter-Tribal Association believes that moments such as this remind us of our common humanity and the need for unity, compassion and collective responsibility.
“Irrespective of tribe, religion or place of origin, a life lost in Niger State is a loss to all of us. We therefore stand united in mourning with the affected families and communities,” Dike said.
Special prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
No comments