Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has declared a 24-hour curfew across the state following protests and the destruction of public and private property over the deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Bago announced the restriction on Friday during a press conference, stating that it would commence immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.
According to the governor, the unrest had resulted in the vandalism of 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.
The governor listed some of the property affected by the protests, saying, “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.
Bago said the situation had deteriorated to the point where vandals were taking control of the streets, prompting the government to restrict movement in an effort to prevent further damage and restore order.
“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.
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He urged residents to remain patient and avoid actions that could further escalate the situation.
“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” he said.
The curfew comes after protests erupted in parts of the state following the deaths of suspected illegal miners held by the NSCDC.
Bago had earlier disclosed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody. He said forensic and medical examinations, as well as autopsies, were being conducted to determine the circumstances and cause of the deaths.
The suspects were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Following the deaths, the NSCDC set up an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, the duration of their detention, conditions in custody and the medical care they received.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and directed that a comprehensive investigation be conducted.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said no person found culpable would be protected from accountability, while urging the public not to reach 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 be held fully accountable.
The cause of the deaths remains undetermined.