Northern groups under the auspices of the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, yesterday fumed and demanded the immediate release of minors detained over 90 days by the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, before arraignment at a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
The Coalition made the demand in a statement signed by National Coordinator, CNG, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, where it vehemently condemned the detention of minors under the age of 18 for more than 90 days for exercising their constitutional rights in a protest against hunger and bad governance, which led to the collapse of at least four children while in the courtroom during the arraignment, of which the Coalition accused the Nigerian Police Force of maltreatment, starvation,
The statement reads in part, “The continued detention and mistreatment of these minors is a gross violation of their basic rights, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly. CNG strongly condemns this abuse of power and the blatant disregard for the welfare and dignity of young citizens.
“The treatment these children are receiving highlights a troubling failure of state actors to prioritise the welfare and rights of its most vulnerable citizens, children, especially when their “crime” was to demand better governance and accountability.
“It is disheartening that in a country with a history of resilience and promise, minors are being made to endure starvation and harsh conditions while awaiting trial for daring to speak up for their future. This is not only a violation of domestic law but also contravenes international human rights principles protecting children from harm and unlawful detention.
“Ideally, those children are supposed to be treated first as victims of state abuse and deprivation whose leaders have failed to provide the necessary leadership that can mould them into better members of society, as they are a direct outcome of our decayed system.
“It is shamefully despicable that criminals and bandits that are holding the entire country to ransom do not face such stringent consequences for their actions.
“Evidently, the government has consistently proven that people’s problems and deteriorating situations are not part of its priority because of its disregard for the daily hardships of its citizens. Increasingly, frequent blackouts have become the norm across the country, severely impacting homes, businesses, and essential services, which became worse with the recent blackout.
“The elimination of fuel subsidies and constant raising of fuel prices have pushed the cost of living to record highs, making basic necessities even harder to afford. Instead of prioritising the welfare of the populace by providing feasible alternatives or relief, the government’s priorities appear to be detaining, abusing, and crushing the vulnerable children that need support and protection to grow into responsible adults.
“Unfortunately, hunger and starvation have become weapons against defenceless and malnourished teenagers.
“It is clear that the government’s neglect of essential services and its catastrophic economic policies have strangulated millions in a state of uncertainty, desperation, and disillusionment to which these minors belong.
“These children must not be targeted as the scapegoat for expressing their frustrations, as Nigerians have never gone through such dehumanising and cruel policies that this administration promotes.
“The CNG calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all minors detained for participating in the protests. We demand that the government prioritise dialogue and constructive engagement over intimidation, especially with young citizens who represent the future of this nation.
“In the interim, we urge relevant agencies and civil society organisations to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to these detained children to mitigate further health risks. The protection of children is non-negotiable, and we implore the authorities to treat these young citizens with the compassion and respect they deserve.”
