Governor Umaru Bago Assesses Impact of Dynamite Explosion in Sabon Pegi, Announces Significant Donations to Victims
By Abdulkadir Yahaya, Minna.
In a show of solidarity, Niger State’s Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago visited the site of a tragic dynamite explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, where he announced a generous donation to support the victims.
During his visit, Governor Bago, accompanied by various dignitaries including the Minister of Information, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, and local lawmakers, expressed deep sympathy for those affected by the incident.
He pledged financial assistance, detailing a distribution plan that includes N5 million for completely damaged homes, N2 million for partially damaged properties, N1 million for the injured, N2 million for families of the deceased, and N1 million for those whose vehicles were impacted.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by illegal mining in the region, the Governor urged community members to surrender explosives to authorities to enhance safety and prevent further tragedies.
In alignment with these efforts, the Minister of Information indicated that the Federal Government is committed to collaboration with state entities to address the repercussions of such incidents and improve safety protocols in mining practices.
The visit emphasized community safety and responsible mining, as the local government announced a temporary ban on artisanal mining while new safety measures are implemented.
In total, the explosion reportedly affected 69 individuals, resulting in two fatalities and various degrees of property damage.
This tragic event has sparked a call for increased awareness and education on safe mining practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future.