News
Breaking: Niger Imposes 24-Hour Curfew, Suspends Mining Activities
By Daniel Ebi ,Minna
The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital, following violent protests by youths over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
The curfew takes effect immediately after Friday’s Jummat prayer, with residents directed to remain indoors and comply with all security directives until further notice.
The government also ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activities across Niger State, pending further review.
The measures followed growing tension in Minna after the deaths of the suspected illegal miners, who were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations at mining sites around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday.
The youths who are protesting the death of the 37 youths went on rampage all through the night of Thursday and Friday vandalizing public and private properties within the metropolis.