Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has declared a 24-hour curfew across Minna, the state capital, following unrest reported in parts of the city.

The curfew takes effect immediately after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in force until further notice.

Residents have been directed to remain indoors and avoid all unnecessary movements during the period of the curfew.

Security agencies have also been urged to enforce the directive and ensure the protection of lives and property across the metropolis.

The development follows Thursday’s protest and unrest linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna.

Residents are advised to remain calm, stay indoors and comply with official directives from the security agencies.

Further updates are expected from the Niger State Government as the situation develops.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The minister also directed the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a “full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation” into the incident.

Following the directive, Audi ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside with immediate effect and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja to appear before the panel of inquiry constituted to investigate the incident.

The state commandant was to be accompanied by the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation, who had also been directed to report to the panel.

Audi also ordered a new commandant to proceed to Niger State and assume immediate command of the state command.

In a statement signed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the corps said the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and that personnel found to have breached the law or established professional standards would face appropriate sanctions.

The Federal Government expressed condolences to the government and people of Niger State over the deaths of persons arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the traditional leadership and people of Wushishi, as well as the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.

Idris said the Federal Government regarded the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians as a solemn responsibility, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.

The minister assured the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government shared in their grief and remained committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. (Channels)