Kebbi Govt Imposes Curfew as Miners, Security Forces Clash in Yauri.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Dec. 19, 2025.
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The Kebbi State Government has imposed a night-time curfew on Yauri town following a violent confrontation between gold miners and security operatives, an incident that has heightened fears over the growing insecurity linked to illegal mining activities in the area.
The disturbance began late Tuesday night when security personnel intervened to rescue a suspect accused of killing a gold miner from an attempted mob action. According to security sources, operatives acted swiftly after receiving distress calls that a crowd was preparing to lynch the suspect. The intervention, however, reportedly provoked anger among some miners, who accused the security agencies of shielding criminals.
Tensions escalated shortly after the suspect was taken into custody. Groups of aggrieved miners took to the streets, burning tyres and blocking sections of the Yauri–Rijau highway, causing traffic gridlock and forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles. Residents described the scene as chaotic, with businesses hurriedly shutting their doors as fear spread across the town.
Security agencies, including the police and other sister services, later moved in to disperse the protesters and clear the highway. A senior security official confirmed that no firearms were used during the operation and that calm was eventually restored in the early hours of Wednesday.
“The suspect was rescued to prevent a breakdown of law and order,” a police spokesperson said. “Our duty is to protect lives and ensure that suspects are subjected to due process. We will not allow mob justice under any circumstances.”
The clash is the latest in a series of security challenges associated with artisanal gold mining in Yauri and surrounding communities. Residents say competition over mining sites, disputes among miners, and the presence of armed groups have made daily life increasingly unsafe.
An eyewitness, who spoke to Democracy Newsline on condition of anonymity, alleged that two commercial motorcycle riders were recently found dead under circumstances believed to be linked to disputes involving miners. “People are living in fear,” the source said. “Once it is evening, many prefer to stay indoors because nobody knows what may happen.”
The source further noted that despite a recent directive by the Kebbi State Governor ordering a halt to all mining activities in the area, operations reportedly resumed barely two days after the governor’s visit. This, residents say, has undermined confidence in government efforts to restore order.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Yauri Local Government Council announced the imposition of a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., effective immediately. In a statement, the council said the measure was necessary to protect lives and property and to give security agencies the space needed to stabilize the area.
“The curfew is a temporary but necessary step to restore peace,” the statement read.
“Law-abiding citizens are urged to cooperate with security personnel, while anyone found violating the order will be dealt with according to the law.”
Security agencies have also intensified patrols around mining sites and major roads, while investigations into the killing of the miner and the subsequent unrest are ongoing.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to enforcing the governor’s ban on mining activities and warned that anyone found flouting the directive would face arrest and prosecution.
For many residents of Yauri, the hope is that the curfew and renewed security presence will bring lasting calm to a community that has become increasingly strained by the lure—and the dangers—of illegal gold mining.
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 20th 2025)
