By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Governor of Niger state, Mohammed Umaru Bago has called on both Moslem and Christian leaders in the state to join hands with the state government in waging war against illegal mining by preaching against teenage and underaged children's involvement in mining activities.
Governor Bago made the plea on Tuesday when he granted audience to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger state chapter who visited the governor to condole him over the deaths of 37 artisans that died in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody.
Governor Bago told the Christians led by the state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Yohanna Bulus that basic and secondary education is free so they should preach to parents to take advantage of that to encourage their wards to concentrate in their education instead of joining mining activities at the detriment of their lives.
According to the Governor, “We are bedevilled with the crisis that happened at the custody of NSCDC. Please, call on parents to be watchful and not to expose their children to this dangerous kind of business".
“Please, use the churches and mosques to preach to our parents to discourage their children from indulging in artisanal mining duecto inherent dangers. Encourage them to enrol in schools so that they can be better citizens tomorrow".
“We all have a responsibility as fathers and mothers to ensure that our children's enrolment into schools is encouraged because both basic and secondary education is free for all our children in Niger state".
Governor Bago further hinted that, “Primary and Secondary education has always been free and we will continue to re-emphasize that it is free. So, there is no reason why any parent will not allow their child to go to school".
“So, I want to encourage you to use the house of God to during your sermons and preachings to call on our children to go to school", Bago said as he assured that the government will follow the inquiry to the last to uncover the truth about how 37 youngsters in NSCDC confinement lost their lives.
Bago however pointed out that, “This tragedy was avoidable, but because of lack of professionalism on the part of the officers, we have found ourselves with 37 deaths in our hands and we cannot just sweep it under the carpet. By the grace of God and the oath of office we are going to ensure we pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.”
State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna while extending deepest condolences of the entire Christendom to Governor Bago and the relatives of the victims described the death of the 37 young artisanal miners as wanton and tragic.
The CAN chairman who spoke through his Deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus, commended the Governor for prioritising human lives over politics, adding that announcing indefinite postponement of re-election campaign flag-off shows how humane he is.
Among the delegation on condolence visit is the former state CAN Chairman, Rev. (Dr.) Mathias Echioda who offered prayers for the victims and their families. NNL.
