The Niger State government has donated ₦174 million to victims of the recent dynamite explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area.
Governor Mohammed Bago announced the donation during his visit to the explosion site last Sunday.
The explosion occurred when many residents were still asleep.
The blast resulted in two fatalities, six injuries, and widespread damage, including 17 destroyed houses, 35 partially damaged homes, and nine affected vehicles.
In addition to the state’s contribution, the immediate past governor, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, donated ₦50 million to aid the victims.
Governor Bago explained the allocation of the ₦174 million, ₦5 million for families whose homes were completely destroyed, ₦2 million for those with partially damaged homes, ₦1 million for the injured, and ₦2 million for the families of the deceased.
Those with damaged vehicles will receive ₦1 million each.
The governor called on the community to adopt the state’s mining policy and abandon illegal dynamite stockpiling.
Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, condemned the tragedy as a man-made disaster and announced President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the National Orientation Agency to intensify awareness campaigns against illegal mining.
The Chairman of Mashegu Local Government, Mr. Umar Igade, confirmed a temporary ban on artisanal mining in the area, citing ongoing concerns about dynamite stockpiling in homes.
State and national lawmakers also emphasised the need for stronger regulation of dynamite use.
(Radio Nigeria/vitalnewsngr.com)
