The Niger State Government has established a 13-member relief committee to oversee the distribution of N50 million to the families affected by the recent mine pit collapse in Galadima Kogo, located in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Abubakar Usman Gurara, Secretary to the Niger State Government, announced the formation of the committee, noting that the funds for the victims have already been deposited into a designated bank account. The committee is tasked with devising a plan for distributing the funds to beneficiaries.
Gurara detailed that the committee’s responsibilities include identifying the deceased victims and their next of kin, as well as assessing those who were injured or involved in rescue operations. The committee will also decide on the payment methods and provide any additional required information. A comprehensive report is expected to be submitted to the Niger State Government upon completion of their duties.
He reiterated that the ban on illegal mining across the state remains in effect. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has directed relevant ministries to profile miners to ensure proper identification before permitting any further mining activities.
Committee chairman Abubakar Sadik Idris, who is also the Permanent Secretary for General Services, assured that the committee would uphold transparency and accountability in their work.
District head of Galadima Kogo, Umar Aliyu, reported that the collapse resulted in 14 fatalities, with 10 bodies recovered and eight individuals rescued. Several others sustained injuries.
The committee is tasked with delivering its report within three weeks.
