RismadarVoice Reporters
September 19, 2026
Niger State Government has imposed a curfew from 6pm to 6am in Minna following violent attacks linked to the death of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of NSCDC officials.
In a statement made available by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Bologi Ibrahim, on Friday said that the curfew takes immediate effect.
The cu,rfew according to him, was part of efforts to restore order after some miscreants reportedly took the law into their hands in the state capital.
Residents were urged to comply strictly with the restriction.
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has accepted his appointment to the Federal Government’s 10-member committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State, declaring that he would expose any attempt to compromise the investigation.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago also called on citizens to remain calm, assuring that security agencies were already on the ground to maintain peace and prevent further violence.
The government said the move was necessary to curb unrest triggered by the tragedy.
In a separate development, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals has deployed a team of experts to probe the deaths of the 37 illegal miners in Minna.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Faruk Yusuf Yabo, disclosed this when he led a delegation to condole with the state government and the families of the victims.
Yabo said the experts would produce a detailed report on what caused the deaths, adding that mining should serve the public good and not lead to loss of lives.
Governor Bago, while receiving the delegation, said it waconcludey to conclude, but preliminary information suggested suffocation or exposure to poisonous substances.
He also announced the suspension of all mining activities across Niger State until investigations are completed.
