Niger State imposes curfew after deaths of suspected illegal miners

The Niger State Government has placed a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital. This decision comes as tensions rise due to the deaths of about 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The curfew will start right after Juma’at prayers on Friday, according to the government announcement.

All mining activities in the state are also suspended until further notice.

These actions are part of the government's effort to tackle the security issues and restore peace in the state.

Residents are advised to stay indoors and fully comply with the curfew and other security measures until further notice.

The government has also cancelled an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally set for Saturday in Minna. Additionally, the NSCDC State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and his team have been suspended.

Governor Mohammed Bago shared these measures during a press briefing in Minna on Friday.

He mentioned that the curfew is necessary to avoid any breakdown of law and order. It will also help the government manage the situation while investigations are ongoing.

The deaths happened after the NSCDC detained suspects linked to mining activities in the Ema Ushishi area of Niger State.

Reports say more than 37 detainees died while in custody. The exact number and cause of death have not been confirmed officially.

The bodies were taken to a mortuary, which increased tension among youths and residents in Minna.

This incident raised public concern and fears of protests or violence, leading the government to cancel the APC rally and impose the curfew.

Mr Bago called the deaths tragic and unacceptable. He stated that the government has started steps to find out what happened.

He announced the formation of a committee to investigate the incident and figure out the cause of the deaths.

The governor warned against jumping to conclusions before the forensic examinations, medical assessments, and autopsies are complete.

He said possible causes being looked at include overcrowding in the detention facility and exposure to harmful substances linked to illegal mining.

"There is no official root cause of these deaths yet. It is too early for anybody to conclude the root causes," Mr Bago said.

He mentioned that the state government is compiling a list of the deceased to identify and reach out to their families.

Mr Bago assured the families of the victims that the government will engage with them and provide support during the investigation.

He announced the immediate suspension of Mr Aniviye and his team to ensure an unbiased investigation.

He stated that this suspension does not mean they are guilty but is to make sure the investigation can go on without interference.

The governor said the Director-General of the NSCDC, who is currently abroad, has sent his deputy to handle discussions about the incident.

He added that the state government has already met with the senior NSCDC official.

Mr Bago promised that the government will investigate the incident thoroughly and make sure anyone responsible is held accountable.

"Lives of human beings are lives of human beings. Such an unjust government will not tolerate any injustice, and we are going to make sure that we probe this thing deeply until we get to the root of this," he said.

He urged residents, especially the youth, to stay calm and obey the curfew.

"We are calling on all the youth to please stay away from violence. It is not going to bring about those who have died. It will rather cost us a lot at the end of the day," he said.

The governor also ordered the closure of the illegal mining site in Ema Ushishi.

He expressed worry over mining operations happening without proper technology, safety gear, and protective equipment.

He said these practices put miners at risk and may have caused the incident.

The state government will continue to work with the NSCDC, the police, the State Security Service, and other agencies to find the facts.

Mr Bago expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced three days of mourning in the state.

He said cancelling the APC rally was to allow the state to mourn the victims and focus on restoring calm and completing the investigation.