Governor Umar Bago of Niger has declared a state of emergency in the state following an attack by thugs in the Maitumbi area of Minna that resulted in two fatalities.
During the incident on Friday, the assailants attacked residents and looted several shops.
Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson for the state, reported to TheCable that six individuals have been detained in relation to the attack.
He added that the police are actively pursuing the remaining suspects who are still at large.
“Two killed. Police patrol teams responded and about six persons were arrested. However, monitoring continues with a view to arresting other fleeing miscreants,” he said.
Speaking with journalists during the annual durbar festival on Sunday, Bago said he has issued a “shoot at sight” order to security operatives.
The governor blamed the unrest on artisanal miners, adding that “maximum force” has been adopted to tackle the situation.
“I have declared a state of emergency on any thug found within the metropolis and even within the state. We have zero tolerance for rascality and thuggery,” he said.
“Those artisanal miners that are causing this havoc within the town, we have closed their sites, we are using maximum force to curtail their activities and we are not going to go back on our words.
“We have said any house found housing the thugs should be demolished and any thug found with any weapon should be dealt with accordingly.”