By IBRAHIM BELLO

Kebbi Government has expressed deepest condolences over the death of eight Almajiri (Islamic pupils) who died on Saturday in the process of clay mining.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before the tragedy, the Islamic pupils were studying Qur’an under a popular religious Cleric in Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi, Malam Dan-Umma Birnin-Kebbi.

NAN reports that the unfortunate incident also led to the hospitalisation of two other Almajiri, now receiving treatment at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi for theinjuries sustained.

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

Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, the Head of Service, who led the state government’s delegation to condole the families, said Gov. Nasir Idris expressed shock on receiving the sad news.

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 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.”

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

“The governor prayed to Almighty Allah to grant their souls eternal rest and prevent a recurrence of such incident.

”The governor further prayed for quick recovery of the injured Almajiri and asked us to donate the sum of N20 million to the families of the deceased,” he announced.

Garba-Bena said Gov. Idris had directed all the relevant emergency agencies in the state to take urgent measures to safeguard a repeat of the tragedy anywhere in the state. (NAN)

•Scene of a mining site where eight Almajiri (Islamic pupils) died in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday