Niger Governor Bago Criticizes NSCDC Over Miner Deaths

Niger State Governor Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago publicly criticized officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their unprofessional handling of the case concerning the deaths of 37 illegal miners. Bago made these remarks during a sympathy visit from officials of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Government House in Minna.

He stated that the deaths could have been prevented and announced that the government would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. Bago expressed condolences to the families of the deceased miners and emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among the state's diverse ethnic and religious groups.

He also urged religious leaders to discourage parents from allowing their children to engage in artisanal mining, advocating instead for their enrollment in schools, as basic education is free in the state. Rev. Joshua Markus Rikoto, representing the state CAN chairman, condemned the miners' deaths and commended the government's decision to investigate the incident.