Niger govt confirms 38 deaths in NSCDC facility, gives families support of N5m each

The Niger State Government has confirmed that 38 people died following the incident at a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, facility in Minna, the state capital.

The state government also announced financial support of N5 million to each family of the deceased and N2 million to each survivor of the incident.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this on Monday during the symbolic presentation of the support to families of the deceased and survivors.

The governor said the programme, which was initially scheduled for last week, was delayed due to other engagements, including a visit to the state.

Bago expressed sympathy with the families and survivors, commending them for their patience and perseverance during the period of grief.

He also acknowledged the support of the Emir of Minna, Farouk Bahago, for his role in promoting peace and counselling both the affected families and those arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the governor, records from the committee headed by the Deputy Governor showed that 37 people died at the NSCDC facility.

He said an additional person was killed by gunshot during the ensuing riots, bringing the total number of deaths to 38.

“From the records we have so far from the Deputy Governor’s committee, we have a total number of 37 deaths at the facility of the Civil Defence Corps.

“We had additional deaths during the riots from a gunshot at the facility of the Civil Defence as well. That makes it 38 deaths,” Bago disclosed.

The governor added that 32 survivors had so far been recorded, although the committees investigating the incident were still working to establish the exact number of people affected.

He said some additional persons had surfaced claiming that they were among those arrested and released earlier, adding that forensic processes were ongoing to verify such claims.

Bago said the financial support would not bring back the deceased but was intended to assist the affected families and survivors to rebuild their lives.

He urged the families to make judicious use of the funds and ensure that their children and wards returned to school rather than engage in illegal mining.

The governor also revealed that arrangements had been made for a learning facility to be established in the affected community, with teachers to be deployed to provide education for children in the area.

He further appealed to residents to desist from unprofessional and illegal mining activities.

Responding on behalf of the affected families, the Emir of Minna, Farouk Bahago, thanked the state government for the gesture.

Bahago, who received the cheques on behalf of the families, confirmed that about 38 lives had been lost, including the person killed during the ensuing protest.

He clarified that the money given to the families was not payment for the lives lost but financial support to help them cope with the aftermath of the incident.

The emir promised that the funds would be distributed to the respective families.

The families of the deceased and survivors also expressed appreciation to the state government for the assistance.