News Investigators/ The Niger Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna, following incidents of vandalism and destruction of property in the city.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago announced the curfew on Friday when he received the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and his entourage on a sympathy visit over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger Command.
Mr Bago said the curfew would commence immediately after Friday prayers, directing all businesses in the state capital to shut down.
He said the measure was necessary to prevent further destruction 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 while the government worked to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He thanked the minister for visiting the state and for the immediate suspension of the NSCDC State Commandant.
The governor said the government was committed to getting to the root of the matter and restoring peace in the state capital.
NAN
