Niger Govt Cancels APC Rally, Declares 3-Day Mourning for 37 NSCDC Custody Victims

Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger State has cancelled the All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally that was scheduled to hold on Saturday in Minna.

The cancellation follows the deaths of 37 persons who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command.

The Umaru-Bago announced the cancellation in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday in Minna.

The governor expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening. He also declared a three-day period of mourning in honour of the victims, calling on the people of the state to remain calm while praying for the repose of the souls of the departed.

According to Bago, the decision to suspend the rally was made in recognition of the gravity of the incident and out of respect for the affected families and communities. He assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would receive appropriate attention.