Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state following protests and destruction of property triggered by the deaths of 37 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 measure became necessary following the breakdown of law and order in parts of the state, where protesters allegedly vandalised government facilities, a bank, political party offices and private businesses.
“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here,” Bago said.
He listed the State Transport Company, Sterling Bank, political party offices and private businesses among facilities reportedly affected by the unrest.
“The State Transport Company, all the buses we have there have been vandalised. Sterling Bank, hit. Party offices destroyed, people’s businesses destroyed,” the governor said.
Bago said the situation had resulted in vandals taking over the streets, making immediate restrictions necessary to prevent further destruction and restore calm.
“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.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and exercise restraint while authorities work to restore normalcy.
The curfew followed protests in parts of the state over the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16.
Bago had earlier confirmed that 37 of the suspects died while in NSCDC custody. Forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, are being conducted 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 arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions and 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 no individual found culpable would be shielded, while cautioning against prejudging the outcome of the investigation.
Former Vice-President and 2027 African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has also called for accountability, saying anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should be held accountable.
The cause of the deaths has yet to be established as investigations and post-mortem examinations continue.
