Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has imposed a 24-hour curfew across Minna, the state capital, following violent protests by youths over the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The protesters later attacked vehicles belonging to the Niger State Transport Authority (NSTA), escalating tension in parts of the state capital.
Governor Bago announced the curfew while receiving the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday.
He said the curfew would take effect after the Friday congregational prayers as part of measures to restore order following the violence.
The governor confirmed that the mob action, which erupted on Thursday, resulted in the vandalisation of the state transport company’s fleet, an attack on Sterling Bank, destruction of party offices and looting of private businesses.
He said the government had taken the decision to impose the curfew to prevent further escalation and protect lives and property across the state capital.
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