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.
This is even as a roadside engine oil vendor, Ibrahim Mohammed Dada, has been hospitalised after he was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during protests over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The incident occurred at Tunga Market in Minna on Friday as security operatives fired shots and tear gas to disperse protesters demanding answers over the deaths.
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Ibrahim’s elder brother, Yakubu Dada Mohammed, said the vendor was not part of the protest and was standing at his kiosk when he was hit.
“Ibrahim was not participating in the riot or protest. He was standing in front of his kiosk where he sells engine oil when one of the police officers fired a gun in his direction and a bullet penetrated his head and destroyed his entire face.”
Ibrahim was taken to Minna General Hospital, where he was reportedly receiving treatment.
His brother called for justice and urged authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Niger State Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, appealed for calm and said the incident would be investigated.
However, 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 NSCDC said the detainees had been held in raids on suspected illegal mines on September 15 to 16 in the Wushishi-Lukoto area west of Minna. It initially said a suspected disease outbreak may have been involved in their deaths, but later said the cause of death had not been established and would be determined by medical examinations.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger State’s NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement.
The victims were buried late on Thursday in accordance with Islamic tradition, raising questions about whether or how authorities would carry out further forensic examinations to determine the cause of death.
