2027: How Nigerian govt can fund N500,000 minimum wage – Sowore

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew in response to protests and property destruction related to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps custody. The curfew took effect immediately after Friday congregational prayers, following protests that saw the vandalism of government property, a bank, political party offices, and private businesses.

Bago stated that the decision was necessary to restore calm in the state. The unrest has led to vandals taking over the streets, necessitating government restrictions to prevent further destruction. The 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody after being arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities on September 15 and 16.

Forensic, medical, and autopsy examinations are being conducted to determine the cause of their deaths. The Minister of Interior has suspended the NSCDC Commandant and ordered a full investigation, with the Federal Government promising no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and presidential candidate, has called for accountability over the deaths.