NIGER State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has imposed a curfew on Minna, restricting movement from 6 pm to 6 am.
This decision followed a surge in violent attacks and killings in the city. Under the new rules, commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators are prohibited from operating during curfew hours, except for medical emergencies.
The governor made the announcement during a stakeholders’ security meeting with traditional rulers and heads of security agencies at the Government House on Tuesday, April 22.
The government said it aimed to curb the growing insecurity and protect people in the state.
Additionally, local leaders have been instructed to document visitors, and homes found harbouring criminals may face demolition.
Minna, like other major cities in the North-Central, has recently witnessed a resurgence of thuggery, attacks, and killings, raising concerns among residents.
Niger is one of several states in Nigeria currently facing insecurity. Scores of residents have been killed in Benue and Plateau states in recent days.
The ICIR reported that the death toll from the recent string of attacks in Benue climbed to 69 on Monday, following the recovery of 13 additional bodies in the wake of raids on rural communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had initially confirmed the discovery of 56 bodies on Sunday, April 20, after his visit to the affected areas of the state.
The ICIR reported that gunmen attacked the Gbagir community, Ukum LGA, of the state. The assault occurred last Thursday on the Sankera axis of the LGA and simultaneously on the neighbouring Logo LGA.
The renewed attacks in Sankera came barely 48 hours after suspected herders launched brutal attacks on three communities, Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju, in Otukpo LGA, southern Benue.
The ICIR also reported that 40 people were killed in another attack on the Zike community, Kimakpa, in the Kwali district of the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The killings followed the death of 52 people in the Bokkos Local Government Area of the state after they were attacked by gunmen.
A reporter with the ICIR
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