The Niger State Government has imposed a 24 hour curfew across Minna after protests over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps turned violent.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago ordered the curfew to take effect immediately after Friday's Jumu'ah prayers and remain in force until further notice.

Residents have been directed to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement as security agencies move to restore order across the Niger State capital.

The decision marks a significant escalation in a crisis that began with the deaths of dozens of detainees and has since developed into violent demonstrations and a growing demand for accountability.

PROTESTS SPREAD ACROSS MINNA

Protests were reported in several parts of Minna, including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road, as residents demanded answers over the deaths.

Some protesters allegedly damaged government property and campaign posters, while security personnel were deployed across affected areas.

Reuters reported that security forces fired live ammunition during Friday's demonstrations as some protesters clashed with authorities and attempted to attack government buildings.

The Reuters report did not immediately establish whether anyone was killed or injured by the gunfire.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS RESIDENTS INDOORS

The state government said the curfew was introduced to prevent further deterioration of security in the capital.

Residents have been asked to remain calm, stay indoors and comply with instructions issued by security agencies.

Security personnel have been deployed across Minna to protect lives and property and prevent further violence.

Authorities have not announced when the restrictions will be lifted.

37 MINERS DIED IN NSCDC CUSTODY

Governor Bago has confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while being held by the NSCDC.

The detainees had been arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities on September 15 and 16.

The NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak after the deaths were discovered.

However, its national headquarters subsequently said the actual cause had not been established and remained subject to medical and laboratory examination.

Survivors have alleged that overcrowding and suffocation caused the deaths, but authorities have said forensic and medical investigations are needed before a definitive cause can be established.

NSCDC COMMANDANT SUSPENDED

The federal government has suspended Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye pending the outcome of an investigation.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The NSCDC has also established an investigative panel tasked with examining the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, how long they remained in custody, conditions inside the detention facility and the medical attention they received.

The Niger State Government has separately established a committee of inquiry.

PRESSURE GROWS FOR ANSWERS

The crisis has rapidly developed from questions surrounding the deaths of detainees into a wider public order challenge in Minna.

Authorities now face pressure to determine how the 37 detainees died while also preventing further violence in the state capital.

The government has appealed for calm and promised that investigations will establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

For residents of Minna, the immediate focus has now shifted to the 24 hour curfew and the security presence across the city as authorities attempt to restore calm.