Niger approves N50m compensation for trapped miners’ families

The Niger State Government has approved N50m compensation for the families of victims of the collapsed mining pit in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area.

Families of the victims had last week demanded compensation, threatening to take legal action against the state government and owners of the collapsed mine, African Minerals and Logistics Limited.

The mine pit collapsed in June following a heavy downpour, with scores of miners trapped.

As of last week, 14 bodies had been recovered from the mining pit.

On Monday, the secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Gawu, disclosed that Governor Mohammed Bago had approved N50m compensation for the families of the victims.

The SSG added that the state government had inaugurated a 13-man committee to oversee the disbursement of the funds to the victims’ families.

“The state government has approved N50m as a relief for the families of victims of the collapsed mining pit in the Shiroro Local Government Area. We have also set up a 13-man committee to oversee the disbursement of the funds to the victims’ families.

“Let us remind you that the government placed a ban on mining in the state and that ban is still in place. Mining companies licensed by the federal government should obtain permission from the state government before they can mine,” the SSG said.

In his reaction to the approved sum, the district head of Galadima Kogo, Umaru Aliyu however expressed sadness over the state government’s gesture saying it took this long to provide assistance to the victims’ families.

The PUNCH notes that not all the victims of the mine pit collapse were indigenes of Niger State as some came from  Kogi and other northern states.

Also, it was learnt that Galadima Kogo has been one of the hotbeds of banditry due to the availability of mineral resources in the area.

The state government gesture came at a time when the families of the victims were also lamenting that the mining company whose pit collapsed had not reached out to the families despite repeated calls for compensation.

Suleiman Isah, blood brother of one of the victims in a telephone interview with PUNCH disclosed that the firm that owns the collapsed pit had promised compensation for the families of the victims but had not reached out.

“This accident affected one of my brothers. I will just say, my blood brother. He was one of my blood brothers. For now, they have already buried nine people and we are still expecting five people from the pit. We have not heard anything from the company that owns the collapsed mine although they promised to compensate us,” he said.