The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna, the state capital, following protests and unrest over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the curfew on Friday, directing it to take effect immediately after the Jumu’ah prayers. The restriction will remain in force until further notice.
Bago said the decision became necessary after protesters allegedly vandalised government facilities, a bank, political party offices and private businesses during the unrest.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, stay indoors and exercise restraint while authorities work to restore order.
The protests followed the deaths of the suspected illegal miners, who were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of the state on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC confirmed that 37 detainees died while in custody. The exact cause of the deaths has not been established, with medical examinations, forensic investigations and autopsies being conducted.
The NSCDC initially said the deaths may have been linked to a suspected disease outbreak, but later stressed that the actual cause had yet to be determined. Other reports have raised concerns about conditions in the detention facility, but these remain subject to investigation.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a full investigation and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, pending the outcome of the probe.
The Federal Government has also assured Nigerians that anyone found culpable will not be shielded, while urging the public not to prejudge the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has established a committee of inquiry and declared three days of mourning over the deaths. It also cancelled a planned APC rally in Minna to allow the state to mourn and focus on the ongoing investigation.
Security agencies have been deployed across Minna to enforce the curfew and protect lives and property as investigations into the deaths continue.
