Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state following protests over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Bago announced the restriction on Friday during a press conference, saying it would take effect immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.
The governor said the curfew became necessary after 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 some of the property reportedly damaged during the unrest, including buses belonging to the State Transport Company and a branch of Sterling Bank.
“The State Transport Company, all the buses we have there have been vandalised. Sterling Bank, hit. Party offices destroyed, people’s businesses destroyed,” he said.
Bago said the situation had deteriorated as vandals took over some streets, prompting the government to restrict movement in an effort to restore order.
“Vandals are taking over the streets, and there’s a need for us to, you know, curtail this thing so that we can have calm in the society,” the governor said.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities while efforts were made to restore normalcy.
“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” Bago added.
The protests followed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC after enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state on September 15 and 16.
Bago had earlier confirmed the deaths, while saying forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to determine what happened to the detainees.
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 the medical attention they received.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered a full investigation.
The Federal Government has also said anyone found responsible would face the consequences.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said there would be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable, while urging the public not to prejudge the investigation.
The cause of the miners’ deaths has not yet been established.
