Bago cancels APC rally over deaths of 37 NSCDC detainees in Niger

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has cancelled the All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna following the deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Bago also declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the victims and expressed condolences to their families.

The governor announced the decisions in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, in Minna.

Bago described the deaths as unfortunate and deeply saddening, and called on residents of the state to remain calm.

He said the cancellation of the rally was in recognition of the gravity of the incident and out of respect for the affected families and communities.

The governor also assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would receive appropriate attention.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and urged the people of the state to remain peaceful as authorities address the incident.

The deaths have also prompted investigations, with the Federal Government suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordering a full probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.