Gov Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger has cancelled the All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna.
The cancellation followed the death of 37 persons who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger Command.
Newsmen report that Umaru-Bago announced the cancellation in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday in Minna.
Bago expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening.
He also declared a three-day mourning in honour of the victims.
The governor called on the people of the state to remain calm and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
He said the decision to suspend the rally was in recognition of the gravity of the incident and out of respect for the families and communities affected.
The governor assured the people that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would receive appropriate attention.