The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has condemned the detention of numerous Nigerian minors, many under the age of 18, who were held in custody for over 90 days before their recent arraignment in an Abuja High Court.
It would be recalled that the minors were detained for participating in protests against hunger and poor governance, exercising what CNG describes as their constitutional rights.
CNG’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, in a statement condemning the situation, describing it as evidence of the government’s desperation and indifference to the wellbeing of vulnerable young citizens, exposing Nigeria to international criticism.
Charanchi said: “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 prioritize 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 mold them into better members of the society as they are a direct outcome of our decayed system.
He argued that instead of addressing these issues or providing relief, the government appears focused on detaining and punishing minors who represent the country’s future.
He added, “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 a 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 prioritizing 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.”
The Coalition has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained minors, and urges the government to engage in dialogue and constructive engagement rather than intimidation, particularly with young citizens. Additionally,
CNG appeals to relevant agencies and civil society organizations to provide urgent humanitarian support to the detained children to prevent further health deterioration.
“Unfortunately, hunger and starvation have become weapons against defenseless 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 in which these minors belong.
“These children must not be targeted as the scapegoat for expressing their frustrations as Nigerians have never gone through such dehumanizing 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 prioritize 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 organizations 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.