NIGER: Surrender explosives to security committee – Gov Bago tells miners

He made these comments during a visit to Sabon-Pegi community in Mashegu LGA, where a dynamite explosion at a miner’s home resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries.

During his visit, Governor Bago pointed out that Niger State is rich in gold and lithium deposits, which have led to an increase in artisanal mining activities.

However, he expressed concern that illegal miners often stockpile explosives and firearms, exacerbating insecurity in the region.

He urged local residents to turn in their explosives and dangerous weapons to a security committee made up of law enforcement agencies, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), traditional institutions, and other relevant stakeholders for safe storage, rather than keeping them at home.

Additionally, he announced a relief package of N174 million for the victims of the explosion.

Governor Bago visited the explosion site yesterday, accompanied by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris and Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, among others.

Minister Idris conveyed the president’s concern over the incident, labeling it a preventable disaster.

He stated that the president has instructed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to enhance advocacy and awareness campaigns aimed at those engaged in illegal mining to avoid future occurrences.

Furthermore, the president directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, NEMA, and other relevant federal agencies to assist the Niger State Government in providing relief to the affected community.

The Chairman of Mashegu LGA, Umar Jibrin Igade, provided details about the explosion, reporting that 69 people were affected, with two confirmed deaths.

Six injured individuals have since been treated and discharged from the hospital. He also noted that the explosion destroyed 17 houses, partly damaged 35 others, and affected nine vehicles.

In light of these events, the Mashegu Local Government Council has imposed a temporary ban on artisanal mining due to the dangers presented by stored explosives.

The council chairman urged his counterpart in Magama LGA, which borders Mashegu, to enforce a similar ban to improve security measures.