General News
Niger Imposes 24-Hour Curfew Amid Protests Over Miners’ Deaths
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state following protests and incidents of vandalism linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The governor announced the restriction during a press conference on Friday, stating that the curfew took effect immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.
Bago said the measure became necessary after protesters allegedly destroyed public and private property in parts of the state.
According to him, facilities affected by the unrest included assets belonging to the State Transport Company, a commercial 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.
The governor said the government could not allow further destruction of property and warned that authorities would take steps to restore order and protect lives and investments.
“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.
He appealed to residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies while efforts continue to address the situation.
“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” Bago said.
The protests followed public outrage over the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on September 15 and 16.
Governor Bago had earlier confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in custody, while forensic examinations, medical tests and autopsies are being conducted to determine the cause of death.
The Federal Government has ordered investigations into the incident, while the NSCDC and other authorities have established investigative panels to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Officials have maintained that the cause of the deaths has not yet been established.