Niger State Governor Umar Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew following violent protests over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners. The curfew will take effect immediately after Friday prayers.
Bago announced the decision during a press conference on Friday. He said the restriction became necessary after protesters destroyed government property and private businesses.
“Vandals are taking over the street,” the governor said.
He added that the curfew would help restore calm across the state.
According to Bago, protesters vandalised the State Transport Company and damaged its buses. Sterling Bank also came under attack during the unrest. Political party offices and private businesses were also affected.
“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.
Meanwhile, the governor urged residents to remain calm and avoid further violence.
The unrest started after news emerged that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody. Authorities arrested the suspects during operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis. The arrests took place on September 15 and 16.
Bago earlier confirmed the deaths and said officials were working to establish the cause. Forensic examinations, medical checks and autopsies are now underway.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has opened an investigation into the deaths. The probe will examine the suspects’ condition at arrest and their treatment in custody. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye. He ordered a full investigation into the incident.
The Federal Government said it would hold anyone found responsible accountable. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also called for accountability. However, authorities have not yet established the cause of the deaths.
