Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna, the state capital, following protests and unrest over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The curfew takes effect immediately after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in force until further notice.
Bago urged residents to remain calm, stay indoors and comply with directives from security agencies as authorities move to contain the unrest.
The governor’s decision followed protests in parts of Minna on Thursday and Friday after news emerged that 37 suspected illegal miners had died while in NSCDC custody.
Protests Erupt Over Deaths
The deceased were among scores of people arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC later confirmed that some of the detainees were found dead in the early hours of Thursday.
The Corps initially said the deaths followed a suspected disease outbreak, but added that medical examinations were required to determine the actual cause of death.
The deaths sparked protests in areas including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road in Minna, with reports of damage to some government property.
Security personnel were subsequently deployed across the city as authorities moved to restore calm.
Survivor Raises Overcrowding Concern
While the official cause of death remains under investigation, a survivor of the detention reportedly alleged that dozens of detainees were held in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell.
According to the survivor, detainees struggled to breathe before some of them collapsed.
The allegation has not been established as the cause of the deaths, as authorities are still conducting medical examinations and investigations.
NSCDC Commandant Suspended
Following the incident, the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, ordered the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, to step aside and report to the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja.
Other senior officers responsible for operations, mining, legal, intelligence and investigation were also directed to appear before the panel investigating the deaths.
A new commandant has been ordered to assume command of the Niger State Command.
The NSCDC said any personnel found to have violated the law or professional standards would face appropriate sanctions.
Interior Minister Orders Full Investigation
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has also ordered a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths.
The minister directed the NSCDC leadership to establish what happened to the detainees and ensure that the investigation is conducted without interference.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken for medical examinations and autopsies as authorities work to establish the scientific cause of death.
FG Condoles Families
The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians remained a responsibility of government.
He said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
Meanwhile, Bago has appealed for calm as the curfew takes effect, while security agencies have been directed to enforce the order and protect lives and property across Minna.
