–Niger NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye suspended

By Michael Lim

Deaths of alleged illegal miners being held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) detention facility in Minna, Niger State, by Thursday, September 18, 2026, are feared to have climbed to 37, according to reports.

Reports indicate that the young men arrested for suspected illegal mining near Borgu died while being detained.

But there are conflicting accounts between official explanations and reports: While the NSCDC claimed an apparent disease outbreak caused the deaths, intelligence report and survivor accounts pointed to severe overcrowding and poor ventilation leading to suffocation.

In his official response, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, called the incident “sad and tragic,” as he declared three days of mourning, and postponed election campaign launches.

In reaction, the Niger state police chief ordered an immediate investigation and detention of the NSCDC command.

Bodies have been moved to the general hospital in Minna for examinations to determine the exact cause of death.

A relative, whose 17-year-old brother was among those who died, said the family had visited him during detention and questioned how a disease could have being his cause of death.

Meanwhile, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended from office by the minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following the alleged deaths of suspected illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.

A statement signed and released by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the suspension was issued on Thursday in Abuja.

The statement further showed that the incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, following the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

According to the statement, Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate, declaring, “It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full-scale investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.”

The statement added: “We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this.”

–Says importing food over $3 billion in a year scary

By Seyi Balogun

Graduate farm workers earn a minimum wage of N500,000, working privately for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State.

The governor said this while speaking in Lagos at the opening ceremony of FirstBank Agric & Export Expo 2026 in Lagos with the theme: “From farm to global markets: Building Nigeria’s Export Value Chain.”

Bago used the event to highlight the potential of agriculture, particularly livestock production, as a major source of employment and economic growth.

In his view, the wages paid on his farm are higher than what many government workers earn:

“In our farm, we pay a graduate minimum 500,000 monthly.

“How much does the government pay? FirstBank, how much do you pay?”

He said the disparity showed the potential of private agricultural enterprises to provide attractive employment opportunities.

“It means I can poach all FirstBank workers who earn less than my minimum wage, to my farm,” he added.

The governor highlighted farming potential, imploring more private investors to venture into agriculture.

“So, I want to encourage the private sector to do more,” he said.

Bago warned that Nigeria’s dependence on food imports was unsustainable while calling for a deliberate national policy to prioritise domestic production.

He canvassed for “food sovereignty” describing it as paramount while further expressing worry that Nigeria imported food worth more than $3 billion in the year, with the figure potentially reaching $4 billion before the end of the year. To this, he added: “It is scary.”

–Groups Give ultimatum for retraction of “RECKLESS INSULT” else …

By Felix Umande

Two major Idoma youth bodies have condemned what they described as a reckless insult and threat against the Idoma Nation by the Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Illegal Levies and Support Groups, Hon. Terver Gbenda, during a political outing in Otukpo.

In separate statements, the OchetohaK’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide and the Office of the National Youth Leader, Idoma Area Traditional Council, demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology, warning of far-reaching political consequences if he fails to comply.

In a rejoinder signed by Comrade Mike Magaji Alidu, President of OchetohaK’Idoma Youth Wing Worldwide, the group expressed deep pain and disappointment over Gbenda’s conduct.

“We received his outing in Otukpo with shock. How can a Governor’s aide leave his comfort zone in Makurdi, come to Otukpo, and indiscriminately warn and threaten Idoma Youths, thinking he can force the entire Benue South to support Governor Hyacinth Alia?” Alidu queried.

“This is not only reckless, it is an insult to our sensibilities as a people. We feel deeply insulted, belittled and provoked by this action.”

The group declared that Zone C is not a conquered territory. “Let Hon. Gbenda and his sponsors be reminded that Zone C is not a conquered territory and we will NEVER be threatened by anybody, no matter how highly placed. Idoma Nation is a great Nation. We have more than enough in Benue South,” the statement read, citing the zone’s manpower, education and mineral deposits including oil and gas, limestone and coal.

The OchetohaK’Idoma Youth Wing also warned local government chairmen and some youths who allegedly clapped for and aided Gbenda, describing their action as betrayal that will not be forgotten.

The group gave a three-day ultimatum for an apology, threatening to declare Governor Hyacinth Alia and his administration as an enemy of Zone C if Gbenda fails to apologize.

It further threatened to commence statewide consultations to screen and endorse a governorship opponent of Alia, mobilize its structure at home and in diaspora for aggressive voter sensitization, dismantle any political structure loyal to Gbenda in Zone C, and present what it called a scorecard of colossal neglect of Zone C in terms of roads, development and appointments.

“Any word from a Governor’s appointee is considered a direct message from the Governor and the Government of Benue State. Therefore we hold the Government of Benue State responsible for this insult,” Alidu said.

In a related statement, Comrade Uloko Abraham, National Youth Leader, Idoma Area Traditional Council, on behalf of peace-loving youths of Zone C, said Gbenda’s outing was divisive and capable of undermining peace and unity.

“Zone C youths will not be used as political instruments. We are responsible, law-abiding and enlightened citizens. We will not allow ourselves to be recruited, instigated or mobilized to stand against our own brothers and sisters on account of political differences,” Abraham said.

He called on Gbenda to clarify whether his statements represented his personal views or the official position of the Benue State Government and to tender an unreserved apology.

“Our position should not be misconstrued as opposition to any individual or political party. Our concern is the welfare, development, inclusion and dignity of our people,” he said.

Abraham also issued a 48-hour ultimatum for apology and clarification, warning that at its expiration, youths and stakeholders across the nine local government areas of Zone C would convene a broad consultative meeting to determine lawful and democratic steps.

“Do not allow anybody to use you to fight your brother. No political position is worth the blood of an innocent person,” he told Idoma youths, stressing that their response would remain peaceful, lawful and constitutional.

“Being peaceful does not mean being silent. We shall speak. We shall organize. We shall engage. And we shall demand accountability,” he added.