Niger Governor, Umar Bago, has presented cheques of N5 million each to the families of illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
The governor also presented N2 million each to survivors of the incident, bringing the total financial assistance provided to N250 million.
Speaking at the presentation, Bago said the support was aimed at providing some relief to the affected families and survivors following the tragedy.
He commended the families of the deceased and the survivors for their perseverance and resilience during the difficult period.
Bago said investigations into the incident were still ongoing, adding that the committee set up by the state government would continue to verify claims as more people had come forward alleging that they were also involved in the incident.
The governor also disclosed that there had been additional deaths linked to the incident, including one reportedly caused by a gunshot during a demonstration by aggrieved youths.
He called on residents to desist from unprofessional mining activities, warning of the dangers associated with illegal and unsafe mining practices.
Bago further announced plans to establish a learning facility around the affected community, with teachers to be deployed to provide children in the area with access to education.