The curfew took effect after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers and will remain in force until further notice.
Bago directed residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement during the restriction.
He also instructed security agencies to enforce the curfew and protect lives and property across the state capital.
Government Opens Investigation
The governor said the state government has constituted a committee of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He said several other government agencies are also investigating the incident.
These include the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Bago said the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officials had been suspended to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
Cause of Death Still Unknown
The governor stressed that investigators had not yet established the cause of the deaths.
He said possible explanations being examined include suffocation caused by overcrowding and exposure to hazardous chemicals linked to illegal mining.
“It could be as a result of suffocation because there were so many in a cell,” Bago said.
He added that exposure to lead or other hazardous substances used during illegal mining was also being investigated.
Forensic examinations, medical tests and autopsies are being conducted to determine what caused the deaths.
Bago urged Nigerians not to draw conclusions before the investigations are completed.
Mining Site Shut Down
The governor also announced the closure of the illegal mining site in the MiOshishi area.
According to him, mining activities at the location were being carried out without appropriate technology and safety equipment.
He appealed for calm after the movement of the victims’ bodies to the mortuary reportedly triggered emotional reactions and violence among some youths.
Interior Minister Orders Full Probe
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has also ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.
He directed the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a transparent and unhindered investigation.
Audi subsequently ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside and report to the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja.
The Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation were also directed to appear before the panel.
A new commandant was ordered to take charge of the Niger State Command.
The NSCDC said officers found to have violated the law or professional standards would face appropriate sanctions.
FG Condoles Families
The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the families of those who died.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the government considers the protection of Nigerians’ lives, dignity and fundamental rights a serious responsibility.
He said the circumstances surrounding the deaths require a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
The minister assured the affected families and people of Niger State that the Federal Government shares in their grief.
