The Kebbi State Government has expressed condolences over the death of eight Almajirai (Islamic pupils) who died on Saturday while mining clay. 

Before the tragedy, the Islamic pupils were studying Qur’an under a popular religious cleric in Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi, Dan-Umma Birnin-Kebbi.

The incident led to the hospitalisation of two other Almajirai, now receiving treatment at the Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi for the injuries sustained.

The deceased pupils and those injured were reported to be mining clay at the Dukku Hill when it caved in and trapped them.

The state Head of Service, Safiyanu Garba-Bena, 

who led the state government’s delegation to condole the families; said Governor Nasir Idris expressed shock on receiving the news.

Mr Garba-Bena told the Islamic cleric and the family members that they should consider what happened as an unavoidable tragedy destined by God Almighty.

He said, “The governor is on an official trip abroad but sent this high-powered delegation comprising commissioners and special advisers led by me to condole with the families of the departed.”

Mr Garba-Bena, said that Mr Idris heartily commiserated with Dan-Umma Birnin-Kebbi, families of the deceased and the entire people of the state on the event.

“The governor prayed to Almighty Allah to grant their souls eternal rest and prevent a recurrence of such an incident. The governor further prayed for quick recovery of the injured Almajirai and asked us to donate N20 million to the families of the deceased,” he said.

Mr Idris directed the relevant emergency agencies in the state to take urgent measures against a repeat of the tragedy anywhere in the state. 

(NAN)