APC Donates N52 Million To Families Of 37 Miners In Niger

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a N52 million donation to support the families of the 37 miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.

Politics Nigeria reports that the donation was disclosed on Tuesday by Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, when he received the National Working Committee of the APC, led by its National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, during a condolence visit over the deaths.

Bago expressed appreciation to the party leadership for visiting the state and providing financial assistance to the affected families.

He said arrangements had been made to ensure that the money reached the intended beneficiaries, adding that a state committee headed by his Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, would oversee the distribution.

According to the governor, the committee would work with the Emir of Minna, Farouk Umar-Bahago, to identify and reach the affected families.

The deaths of the miners have generated widespread concern and calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Bago had earlier inaugurated a nine-member judicial commission of inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 miners in NSCDC custody.

The bereaved families have also demanded justice and compensation, with some relatives alleging that they were denied access to the detained miners before they were informed of their deaths.

Speaking during Tuesday’s condolence visit, Yilwatda expressed the APC’s sympathy to the Niger State Government and residents, describing the incident as a difficult moment for the state.

“This is not a good moment for the country, especially Niger State.

“Recently, you’ve been bedevilled by so many challenges, especially security threats, but we can assure you that our hearts and prayers are with you,” he said.

The APC chairman prayed for strength and comfort for the affected families, while assuring Bago of the party’s support for his administration.

Yilwatda also said the party believed that evil would not prevail over the goodness of the people.

After the visit to the governor, the APC NWC proceeded to the palace of the Emir of Minna to extend its condolences to the traditional ruler.

The development comes amid renewed concerns over deaths linked to mining activities across the country.

In Bauchi State, at least nine miners reportedly died after heavy rainfall flooded a mining pit at Zurfi Mining Company in Nahuta village, Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The incident occurred around 9:45pm on September 26, 2026, while contracted miners were working at Pit 3 of the mining site, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.

One of the victims, identified as Abner, was reportedly electrocuted during the incident and later died at General Hospital Kashere in neighbouring Gombe State.

The Alkaleri Divisional Police Officer subsequently led a team to the mining site to assist in rescuing workers trapped underground, while the mining company deployed three water pumps to drain the flooded pit.

Eight additional bodies were recovered at about 11:20am on September 27 after rescue operations involving the police and local vigilantes.

The victims were identified as Hamidu Ali, 40; Saidu Abubakar, 29; Olije Abdulrazak, 25; Musa Abdullahi, 29; Abdulrahman Muazu, 23; Jafar Abbas, 24; Jose Ukese, 28; and Haruna Alkali, 30.

Politics Nigeria reports that the police said post-mortem examinations were conducted before the remains were released to their relatives for burial.

The command added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances of the Bauchi incident.