The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the detention of minors for participating in protests against hunger and bad governance, demanding their immediate release.
In a statement signed by CNG National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi on Saturday, and obtained by SaharaReporters, he said numerous children under 18 had been held in custody for over 90 days before their arraignment in an Abuja High Court, where four collapsed from hunger and lack of medical care.
CNG criticised the Tinubu government’s handling of the minors, describing it as “a desperate entity that is determined to de-market and embarrass Nigeria before the international community.”
The group asserted that the continued detention “is a gross violation of their basic rights, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly.”
The detained minors reportedly suffered “starvation and harsh conditions” while awaiting trial for peacefully demanding improved governance.
CNG emphasised that this treatment “contravenes international human rights principles protecting children from harm and unlawful detention.”
CNG argued, “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.”
The group contrasted this treatment with the leniency shown towards “criminals and bandits that are holding the entire country to ransom.”
The group pointed out the broader issues of governmental neglect, stating that frequent blackouts and skyrocketing living costs, exacerbated by fuel price hikes, have plunged many Nigerians into hardship.
“The government’s priorities appear to be detaining, abusing and crushing the vulnerable children,” CNG stated, condemning the administration’s approach to young citizens.
The CNG called for the “immediate and unconditional release of all minors detained” and urged the government to adopt “dialogue and constructive engagement over intimidation.”
The group also appealed to civil society organisations to provide humanitarian aid to these detained children, asserting, “The protection of children is non-negotiable, and we implore the authorities to treat these young citizens with the compassion and respect they deserve.”
The statement reads, “The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has observed that a number of Nigerians, sadly many minors below the age of 18, have been detained for over 90 days before their arraignment in an Abuja High Court on Friday for exercising their constitutional rights in a protest against hunger and bad governance.
“It was learnt that at least four of the children collapsed in the courtroom during the arraignment as a result of hunger and absence of medical care while in custody.
“Unfortunately, the detention and arraignment of those frail, malnourished and hapless children have exposed the government as a desperate entity that is determined to de-market and embarrass Nigeria before the international community while presenting its credentials for medals in gross inhumanity.
“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.”
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