President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Tinubu also directed that any officials found to have contributed to the deaths be arrested and prosecuted, as authorities move to address the unrest that followed the incident in Minna, the state capital.
The President, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the reported deaths as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
He stressed that the life of every Nigerian mattered and that no citizen should die in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Bago Imposes 24-Hour Curfew in Minna
Following protests and unrest in parts of Minna on Thursday, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state capital.
The restriction takes effect immediately after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in force until further notice.
Residents have been directed to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement throughout the period of the curfew.
Security agencies have also been ordered to enforce the directive and take necessary measures to protect lives and property across the metropolis.
Unrest Follows Deaths in NSCDC Custody
The unrest was linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while being held by the NSCDC in Minna.
The incident triggered protests and heightened tensions in the city, prompting the state government to impose the curfew as security authorities moved to restore calm.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain subject to investigation, with the President’s directive placing emphasis on determining what happened and identifying anyone responsible.
Alake Mourns Deaths
The development also came shortly after the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, mourned the deaths of the detainees accused of illegal mining.
Alake had earlier expressed concern over a separate mine collapse in Sudan that reportedly killed miners and called for efforts to rescue survivors.
His subsequent reaction to the deaths in Niger adds to growing official concern over the safety and treatment of people involved in illegal mining operations.
Government Appeals for Calm
The Niger State Government has appealed to residents to remain calm and comply with the curfew and instructions from security agencies.
The Federal Government’s investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any officials or other individuals should face criminal prosecution.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations and efforts to restore normalcy continue.
