Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima revealed on Monday that more than N300 billion was lost during the #EndBadGovernance protests, primarily due to damage to private property and business disruptions.
Shettima, speaking after the release of detained protesters, emphasized that the loss stemmed from widespread destruction across the country.
However, he noted that President Bola Tinubu had instructed the release of the detained protesters on humanitarian grounds, despite substantial evidence of their involvement in the unrest.
In a statement, Shettima confirmed that the president had ordered the immediate release of minors arrested during the protests. Earlier, the federal high court in Abuja struck out charges against 119 protesters following a request from the Attorney-General’s office.
“The president, as the father of the nation, has decided to give these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens,” Shettima said, urging the freed individuals to avoid being used for violence and property destruction in the future.
He added that the protests had led to a loss of over N300 billion, primarily affecting private properties and business operations. Shettima called on the protesters to seize the opportunity provided by the president’s decision to contribute positively to society.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State also expressed gratitude for the president’s decision, praising his compassion. “What happened today will be written in gold,” Yusuf said, acknowledging the efforts of Nigerians, civil society organizations, the press, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in securing the protesters’ release.
The decision to release the detainees comes amidst growing calls for leniency and an emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment.