Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state following protests and destruction of property linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Bago announced the curfew during a press conference on Friday, saying it would take effect immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.
He said the decision was necessary to restore calm after protesters allegedly vandalised government property, a bank, political party offices and private businesses.
“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here,” Bago said.
“The State Transport Company, all the buses we have there have been vandalised. Sterling Bank, hit. Party offices destroyed, people’s businesses destroyed,” he added.
The governor said the unrest had led to vandals taking over the streets, making it necessary for the government to impose restrictions to prevent further destruction.
“Vandals are taking over the street, and there’s need for us to, you know, curtail this thing so that we can have calm in the society,” he said.
Bago appealed to residents to remain calm and exercise restraint as the authorities work to restore order.
“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” he said.
The curfew followed protests in parts of Niger State after the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC.
Niger State Governor had earlier confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody, with forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC subsequently constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, 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 there would be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable, while cautioning against prejudging the outcome of the investigation.
Former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has also demanded accountability over the deaths, saying anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should be held fully accountable.
The cause of the deaths has not been established.