The Niger State government has donated ₦174 million to victims of the recent dynamite explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, a prominent farmer-turned-politician, announced the financial relief during a visit to the affected community, offering words of condolence and support to those impacted.
Accompanied by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Niger North Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, and other top officials, Governor Bago assured the victims that the government was committed to alleviating their suffering. Also present were federal and state lawmakers, All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts, and traditional rulers, including the Emir of Borgu, Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV.
Breaking down the financial aid, the governor stated that victims whose homes were completely destroyed would receive ₦5 million each, those with partially damaged houses would get ₦2 million, families of the deceased would be given ₦2 million, injured victims would receive ₦1 million and those whose vehicles were damaged would also be compensated with ₦1 million.
Governor Bago emphasised that the funds were meant to provide immediate relief to affected residents. To ensure fairness and transparency in the disbursement process, he announced the formation of a committee to oversee the distribution.
Acknowledging the region’s vast deposits of gold and lithium, the governor pointed out that the prevalence of artisanal mining had contributed to rising insecurity. He lamented that many illegal miners possessed dynamites and firearms, endangering not just themselves but entire communities.
In a firm appeal, Governor Bago urged residents to surrender any explosives and dangerous weapons to security agencies, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and traditional authorities for safe storage. He also encouraged miners to embrace the state government’s responsible mining policy to prevent further tragedies.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a “man-made tragedy that must not be allowed to continue.”
He revealed that the President had directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify advocacy campaigns, particularly targeting those involved in illegal mining, to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Furthermore, President Tinubu has instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, and other relevant federal agencies to step in and complement the state government’s relief efforts.
“The Federal Government stands with the people of Niger State. We will work collectively to ensure Nigeria is safer, especially from disasters caused by human negligence,” the minister assured.
Adding to the state government’s support, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, the immediate past governor of Niger State, announced a personal donation of ₦50 million to assist the victims. Expressing deep concern over the tragedy, he stressed the importance of educating locals on best practices in mining to avert future disasters.
In their separate remarks, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, House of Representatives member Abdullahi Idris Garba, and APC National Vice Chairman (North Central) Mu’azu Bawa Rijau commended Governor Bago for his swift intervention. They also condemned the dangerous practice of keeping explosives in residential areas, urging residents to put their safety first.
Providing a situation update, Mashegu Local Government Chairman Umar Jibrin Igade expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit and continued support. He confirmed that 69 people had been affected by the explosion, with two fatalities recorded. Six injured victims had already received medical treatment and were discharged.
Additionally, he reported that 17 houses were completely destroyed, 35 houses suffered partial damage while vehicles were affected.
In response to the crisis, the local government has placed a temporary ban on artisanal mining in the area. However, Igade noted with concern that many residents still possessed stored dynamites. He called on authorities in neighbouring Magama Local Government to implement a similar ban to prevent further disasters.
Following the briefing, Governor Bago and his entourage visited the explosion site and met with affected families, offering reassurance that the government would stand by them throughout the recovery process.
As efforts continue to provide relief and enforce mining regulations, one message remains clear: safety must come first. The tragedy in Sabon Pegi serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unregulated mining, and authorities are determined to ensure that such an incident never happens again.
