Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state following protests and reported destruction of property over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Bago announced the curfew on Friday during a press conference, saying it would take effect immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.
The governor said the decision was taken to restore calm after protesters allegedly vandalised government facilities, a bank, political party offices and private businesses in parts of the state.
“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here,” Bago said.
He listed the Niger State Transport Company, Sterling Bank and some political party offices among properties reportedly affected during the unrest.
According to the governor, the situation had resulted in vandals taking over some streets, making it necessary for the government to restrict movement and prevent further destruction of property.
“Vandals are taking over the street, and there’s need for us to curtail this thing so that we can have calm in the society,” he said.
Bago appealed to residents to remain calm and exercise restraint while security authorities work to restore normalcy across the state.
“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” he said.
The protests followed the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were arrested by the NSCDC during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The state government had earlier confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody. Authorities are conducting forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, to establish the circumstances and cause of the deaths.
Following the incident, the NSCDC constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said anyone found responsible would be held accountable, while cautioning against reaching conclusions before the investigation is completed.
Former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has also called for accountability, saying anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should face the consequences.
However, the cause of the deaths has not yet been established.
