Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state following protests and destruction of property linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Bago announced the curfew during a press conference on Friday, saying it would take effect immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.
The governor said the decision was necessary to restore calm after protesters allegedly vandalised government property, a bank, political party offices and private businesses.
“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.
Bago said the unrest had resulted in vandals taking over the streets, making it necessary for the government to impose restrictions to prevent further destruction.
“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 calm and exercise restraint while authorities work to restore normalcy.
“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” he said.
The curfew followed protests in parts of the state over the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC.
Bago had earlier confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody, with forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on 15 and 16 September.
