BREAKING: Niger Governor Imposes 24-Hour Curfew After Miners’ Deaths

Niger State governor, Umar Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state following protests and alleged destruction of public and private property over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Bago announced the restriction on Friday during a press conference, saying it would commence immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.

According to the governor, the measure 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 properties reportedly affected by the unrest.

“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 over the streets, making restrictions necessary to prevent further destruction 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.

The governor appealed to residents to remain peaceful and exercise restraint while efforts were made to stabilise the situation.

“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” Bago said.

The curfew followed protests in parts of the state over the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were detained by the NSCDC.

Bago had earlier confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody. He said forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to determine the circumstances and cause of the deaths.

The suspects were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Following the incident, the NSCDC constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The investigation is expected to establish the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were detained 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 directed a full investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the federal government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said no individual found culpable would be shielded.

Idris, however, cautioned against reaching conclusions before the investigation into the deaths is completed.

Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has also demanded accountability over the deaths.

Atiku said anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should be held fully accountable.

The exact cause of the deaths has yet to be established, as investigations and medical examinations continue.