The Yauri Local Government Council in Kebbi State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew following violent clashes between gold miners and security operatives in Yauri town.
The curfew, which runs from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., was announced amid rising tension after security agents intervened to stop the lynching of a suspect accused of killing a gold miner.
According to local sources, the incident occurred late Tuesday night when security operatives rescued the suspect from an angry mob. The intervention reportedly triggered reprisals by some miners, who later staged violent protests in the town.
Eyewitnesses said the miners blocked major roads, set tyres ablaze, and disrupted traffic along the Yauri highway, leaving motorists stranded for hours. Security personnel were later deployed to disperse the protesters and restore order.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, told WikkiTimes that the clash was part of a broader pattern of violence linked to illegal gold mining activities in the area.
“Just last week, two commercial motorcycle riders were found dead, and people here believe their deaths are connected to mining-related disputes,” the source said.
He added that despite a recent directive by the Kebbi State governor ordering a suspension of mining activities in Yauri, operations have continued unabated.
“The governor came and ordered mining to stop, but barely two days after he left, activities resumed,” the source said.
In a statement announcing the curfew, the Council said the measure was necessary to restore calm, protect lives and property, and allow security agencies to stabilise the situation.
The council urged residents to comply fully with the restriction, warning that anyone found violating the curfew would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Gold mining-related violence has remained a recurring security challenge in parts of Kebbi State, raising concerns about enforcement gaps and the safety of host communities.
