The Niger state government has declared a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital, following rising tension over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The suspects were arrested during enforcement operations
conducted by the NSCDC in parts of Niger state on September 15 and 16.
Following the deaths of the suspected illegal miners,
residents of the state, on Friday, took to the streets to demand justice over
the deaths.
The protests, which began in Minna on Thursday night and
continued on Friday, were reported in Tunga, Maitumbi and along Bosso Road,
with youths chanting “Justice must be done” as anger grew over the deaths.
Footage reviewed by TheCable showed protesters destroying
some campaign posters and damaging government property, while some vehicles
were also reportedly damaged during the unrest.
The curfew commenced immediately after Friday prayers.
Umar Bago, the state governor, said the measure was
necessary to prevent further destruction of properties and restore calm in the
city.
“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a
24-hour curfew here in Minna,” Bago said.
“The buses in the state transport company have been
vandalised and people’s businesses destroyed.
“Vandals are taking over the streets, and there is a need to
curtail all these to have calm.”
Security agencies were urged to ensure the enforcement of
the curfew while protecting lives and property.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm, exercise
restraint and be patient while the government works to unravel the
circumstances surrounding the incident.
The governor said his government was committed to getting to
the root of the matter and restoring peace in the state capital.
The federal government has deployed a “high-powered” team to
the state to investigate the deaths.
The state government has also set up an investigative
committee to probe the incident.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com