Curfew Chaos: Niger State Locks Down After Custody Deaths

The Niger State Government has implemented a comprehensive set of measures, including a 24-hour curfew across Minna, the state capital, following the tragic deaths of approximately 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The curfew, which took immediate effect after Juma'at prayers on Friday, aims to address escalating tensions and restore peace amidst public concern over the incident. In addition to the curfew, all mining activities throughout the state have been suspended until further notice, as part of the government's efforts to manage the prevailing security situation.

Governor Mohammed Bago announced these directives during a press briefing in Minna on Friday. He emphasized the necessity of the curfew to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to facilitate ongoing investigations into the deaths. The government has also taken the significant step of cancelling an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally scheduled for Minna on Saturday and has suspended the NSCDC State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, along with his entire team. Residents have been strongly advised to remain indoors and comply fully with all security directives.

The tragic incident unfolded after the NSCDC detained individuals suspected of illegal mining in the Ema Ushishi area of Niger State. Reports indicate that over 37 detainees subsequently died while in custody, though the precise number and definitive cause of death remain officially unestablished. The movement of the bodies to a mortuary heightened tension among local youths and residents, sparking fears of potential protests and violence. Governor Bago described the deaths as tragic and unacceptable, affirming the government's commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances. A committee of inquiry has been constituted to establish what occurred and determine the cause of death for each individual.

While investigations are underway, the governor cautioned against premature conclusions regarding the cause of death, pending forensic examinations, medical assessments, and autopsies. Possible causes under consideration include suffocation due to overcrowding in the detention facility and exposure to hazardous substances allegedly linked to illegal mining. Governor Bago reiterated, "There is no official root cause of these deaths yet. It is too early for anybody to conclude the root causes." The state government is actively compiling a register of the deceased to identify and contact their families, assuring them of government engagement and support throughout the investigation process.

The immediate suspension of NSCDC Commandant Aniviye and his team was announced to ensure an impartial investigation. Governor Bago clarified that the suspension is a procedural measure, not an admission of guilt, designed to prevent any interference with the inquiry. He also noted that the Director-General of the NSCDC, currently abroad, has delegated his deputy to represent him in all engagements concerning the incident, with whom the state government has already met.

Governor Bago pledged a deep and thorough investigation, vowing that those responsible for any wrongdoing would be held accountable. "Lives of human beings are lives of human beings. Such an unjust government will not tolerate any injustice, and we are going to make sure that we probe this thing deeply until we get to the root of this," he asserted. He appealed to residents, particularly the youth, to maintain calm and avoid violence, emphasizing that it would not bring back those who died but would instead lead to further losses. The illegal mining site in Ema Ushishi has been closed, with the governor expressing concern over mining operations lacking adequate technology, safety equipment, and protective gear, which expose miners to dangerous conditions. The state government is collaborating with the NSCDC, police, State Security Service, and other relevant agencies to ascertain the facts. Governor Bago concluded by commiserating with the families of the deceased and declared three days of mourning in the state, explaining that the cancellation of the APC rally was to allow for mourning and focus on restoring calm and completing the investigation.