The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has led members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on a condolence visit to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, following the deaths of 37 artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Yilwatda, who described the incident as deeply saddening, conveyed the condolences of the APC leadership to the government and people of Niger State, as well as the families of the deceased.

He said the party shared in the grief of the state and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for setting up an independent investigative committee to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The federal investigative panel has since commenced its work in Niger State.

The APC chairman also assured Governor Bago of the continued support of the party’s leadership as the state navigates the difficult period.

Responding, Governor Bago thanked Yilwatda and members of the NWC for the visit, describing it as a significant demonstration of solidarity with Niger State.

The Governor disclosed that the APC National Chairman had provided N1 million each for the families of the 37 deceased miners and N500,000 each for survivors who were arrested and injured in connection with the incident, bringing the total intervention to N38.5 million based on the figures stated by the Governor. A separate report, however, puts the APC donation at N52 million, indicating a discrepancy in the reported figures.

Bago said the funds would be disbursed through a committee led by the Deputy Governor, in collaboration with the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago.

He stressed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths remained a serious concern and said the various investigative efforts would help establish what happened and determine the facts of the incident.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the APC leadership for standing with the state at a challenging time.

Yilwatda later led the NWC and other party leaders to the palace of the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, where they also extended condolences over the deaths.