Niger State Lifts Curfew in Minna After Miners' Deaths

The Niger State Government has lifted the 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital. This decision comes after unrest followed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the hands of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The curfew was lifted starting from Monday. Bologi Ibrahim, the chief press secretary to Governor Mohammed Bago, announced this in a statement on Sunday.

Governor Bago made this announcement after he attended a three-day special prayer session for the deceased miners. He urged residents to be law-abiding and responsible as the government works to improve their welfare.

On September 18, the state government imposed the curfew due to protests in Minna. These protests began after the suspected miners died while in NSCDC custody.

The deceased miners were among many people arrested during NSCDC operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna on September 15 and 16. The NSCDC confirmed that some detainees died in the early hours of September 17.

Initially, the Corps stated that the deaths were due to a suspected disease outbreak. However, they later mentioned that the actual cause of death had not been clearly determined.

The deaths sparked protests in Minna, with residents demanding answers and justice. Reports indicated that the unrest included attacks and damage to both public and private property. This prompted the state government to impose the curfew to prevent further chaos and restore order.

Governor Bago also cancelled an APC rally that was set for Minna. He ordered an investigation into the incident and suspended all mining activities across Niger State.

At the same time, the Federal Government has ordered a full investigation into the deaths. President Bola Tinubu said this investigation should look into the arrests, the conditions in detention, the medical care given to the detainees, and the events leading to their deaths.

The state government declared three days of mourning for the victims. Governor Bago asked residents, especially the youth, to remain calm and avoid any violence.

Now that the curfew is lifted, residents of Minna can return to their normal activities while investigations into the deaths continue.