Niger State Governor Umar Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew following protests and property damage linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Bago announced the curfew at a press conference on Friday, saying it would take effect immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.
He said the government imposed the curfew to restore peace after protesters allegedly damaged government property, a bank, political party offices and private companies.
“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here,” Bago said.
“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.
According to the governor, vandals had taken over the streets as a result of the commotion, necessitating government restrictions to stop additional damage.
Bago urged locals to maintain composure and use self-control while the authorities try to re-establish order.
“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” he said.
Following demonstrations in several areas of Niger State following the deaths of suspected illegal miners held by the NSCDC, a curfew was implemented.
Backstory…
The Niger State governor had earlier said 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He added that authorities were conducting autopsies, forensic examinations and medical tests to determine the cause of death.
Security personnel arrested the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations against illicit mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state on September 15 and 16.
Following the deaths, the NSCDC constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The probe will consider the suspects’ condition at the time of their arrest, the duration of their detention, their confinement conditions and the medical care they received.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also suspended Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
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