Niger protests: Bago declares 24-hour curfew

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has declared a 24-hour curfew following protests and reported attacks on public and private property after the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.

Bago announced the curfew on Friday, saying it would begin immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.

According to the governor, the restriction became necessary after the protests escalated, with government facilities, a bank, political party offices and private businesses reportedly vandalised.

“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here,” Bago said.

He said buses belonging to the Niger State Transport Company were vandalised, while Sterling Bank and several political party offices were also attacked.

“The State Transport Company, all the buses we have there have been vandalised. Sterling Bank, hit. Party offices destroyed, people’s businesses destroyed,” he said.

Bago said the government could no longer allow the unrest to continue unchecked, alleging that vandals had taken over some streets.

“Vandals are taking over the streets, and there’s a need for us to, you know, curtail this thing so that we can have calm in the society,” he said.

The governor urged residents to remain peaceful and give authorities time to address the situation.

“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” Bago added.

The unrest followed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Bago had earlier confirmed the deaths and said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to establish the cause.

The NSCDC has also opened an investigation into the incident, with its investigative team examining the circumstances surrounding the arrests and deaths.

The probe is expected to consider the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in detention, the conditions under which they were held and the medical attention provided to them.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered a full investigation.

The Federal Government has also pledged that anyone found culpable will be held accountable.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged Nigerians not to draw conclusions before the investigation is completed, saying the government would not shield anyone found responsible.

The cause of the deaths remains undetermined.