The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna following incidents of vandalism and destruction of property in the state capital.
Governor Umaru Bago announced the curfew on Friday when he received the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and his delegation on a condolence visit over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger Command.
Bago said the curfew would take effect immediately after Friday prayers, directing businesses across Minna to shut down.
He said the measure was necessary to prevent further destruction of property and restore calm in the city.
“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here in Minna.
“The buses in the state transport company have been vandalised, people’s businesses destroyed.
“Vandals are taking over the streets, and there is a need to curtail all these to have calm,” the governor said.
Bago appealed to residents to remain calm, exercise restraint and be patient as the government works to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the suspected miners.
He thanked Tunji-Ojo for visiting the state and commended the immediate suspension of the NSCDC state commandant.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to getting to the root of the incident and restoring peace in Minna.
