The Niger State Government has donated N174 million to support victims of the dynamite explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area (LGA).

Governor Umaru Bago announced the financial assistance during a visit to the explosion site, where he commiserated with affected residents and community members.

According to a statement from the state government, Bago outlined the distribution plan: N5 million for those whose homes were completely destroyed, N2 million for partially damaged homes, N1 million for the injured, N2 million for families of the deceased, and N1 million for those whose vehicles were affected.

He emphasized that the funds aim to provide relief to the victims, adding that a committee will be established to oversee the fair distribution of the money.

“The governor acknowledged that the region has significant deposits of gold and lithium, attracting artisanal miners and leading to security concerns due to the presence of explosives and firearms,” the statement read.

Bago urged residents to surrender explosives and dangerous weapons to the designated committee, which includes security agencies, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), traditional institutions, and other stakeholders, for safe storage.

Expressing sympathy for the victims, he encouraged the community to adopt the state government’s responsible mining policy for their safety.

Governor Bago was accompanied by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello; Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji; federal and state lawmakers; members of the State Executive Council; All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders; and the Emir of Borgu, Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, among other dignitaries.

Minister Idris conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sorrow over the incident, describing it as a preventable tragedy that must not be repeated.