Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago
Niger State Government has imposed a 6pm to 6am curfew in Minna, the state capital, following violent disturbances linked to the death of 37 suspected artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The restriction was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Bologi Ibrahim.
According to the statement, the curfew became necessary after a series of attacks allegedly carried out by miscreants who took to the streets in protest, leading to security concerns in parts of the state capital.
The government said the measure is aimed at restoring calm, protecting lives and property, and preventing the situation from escalating.
The statement said: “The restriction follows series of violent attacks by some miscreants who have decided to take laws into their hands.”
Residents of Minna were urged to comply fully with the directive, as security agencies have been deployed to enforce the order and maintain peace.
The statement added: “All residents in Minna are to adhere strictly to the curfew as the measure is meant to curtail the violence from some disgruntled elements following the death of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of NSCDC officials in the State.”
Governor Bago also appealed for calm, assuring residents that the government is working with security agencies to restore normalcy and prevent further loss of lives.
The statement said: “The governor calls on residents to remain calm as security agencies are on ground to maintain law and order and avoid further losses.”
The curfew comes amid growing public concern over the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners, an incident that has sparked tension in Minna and attracted national attention.
Earlier on Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths, stressing that every Nigerian life matters and that no citizen should die in government custody due to negligence. The President also directed relevant authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable if wrongdoing is established.
Authorities have advised residents to cooperate with security personnel and avoid actions that could further inflame the situation while efforts continue to restore peace across the state capital.
