Bago imposes 24-hour curfew in Minna after unrest over deaths of 37 miners

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna following unrest linked to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The curfew takes effect after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in place until further notice.

Residents have been directed to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement, while security agencies have been instructed to enforce the measure and protect lives and property.

The restrictions follow protests in parts of Minna after news emerged that dozens of people detained by the NSCDC had died.

Bago confirmed that 37 people died in custody, describing the incident as tragic.

The deceased were among people arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area on September 15 and 16.

Authorities have not yet established the cause of the deaths.

The governor said forensic examinations, medical assessments and autopsies were being carried out.

Possible causes under investigation include overcrowding and suffocation in the detention facility as well as possible exposure to hazardous substances associated with mining, but Bago cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigations are completed.

The Niger State Government has established a committee of inquiry, while the police, NSCDC and other agencies are also investigating the incident.

The state has also declared three days of mourning and cancelled an APC political rally that had been scheduled to take place in Minna.

Authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm while investigations continue.