Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna following violent protests and attacks on public and private property linked to the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody.
Bago announced the curfew while addressing federal officials, including the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, saying it would take effect immediately after Friday prayers.
He said the measure was intended to restore law and order and prevent further escalation of the violence.
The governor said the unrest resulted in the vandalisation of the Niger State Transport Authority fleet, an attack on Sterling Bank, destruction of political party offices and looting of private businesses.
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He said vandals had taken over some streets in the state capital, making urgent measures necessary to contain the situation.
Bago appealed to residents to remain calm, exercise restraint and keep their children at home while investigations continue.
He condemned the destruction of public infrastructure, private property, markets, businesses and schools.
The violence followed the discovery of the bodies of 37 people among about 67 persons arrested at an illegal mining site in the M.I. Wushishi area and detained at NSCDC facilities in Minna.
Bago said survivors reported suffocation and dehydration, while preliminary forensic findings indicated the presence of foam mixed with bloodstains in some victims’ mouths and peeling skin.
He said the findings had raised questions about possible exposure to hazardous substances, including methane, cyanide or lead.
The governor called for a thorough investigation to establish the actual cause of the deaths.
He also alleged that officers on duty ignored detainees’ cries for help after they reportedly raised an alarm that they were dying.
Bago commended the Commandant-General of the NSCDC for suspending the former State Controller, who, according to the governor, allegedly ordered the prolonged detention of the detainees.
The governor described the decision to keep such a large number of people in custody for an extended period as callous and reckless.
He said security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, had intervened to contain the violence and prevent it from spreading.
Bago also ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activities, both legal and illegal, across Niger State pending soil tests to determine whether hazardous substances are present in mining areas.
He said the measure was part of the response to the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State.
He assured that the incident would not be swept under the carpet, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was concerned about the development.
Tunji-Ojo said the Ministry of Interior would work with the Niger State Government to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, determine what went wrong and take measures to prevent a recurrence.
