Coalition of Northern Groups Demands Immediate Release of Detained Minors Amidst Outcry Over Treatment

By MUHAMMED DANBABA

Northern Advocacy Group Condemns Over 90 Days of Detention for Young Protesters, Calling for Humanitarian Support and Government Accountability

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has expressed outrage over the detention of minors by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for over 90 days following their involvement in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The group has called for the immediate release of these minors, condemning the harsh treatment they have allegedly endured while in custody.

Key Points from the CNG Statement

1. Condemnation of Detention:

• CNG’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, condemned the prolonged detention of minors for exercising their constitutional rights to protest against hunger and poor governance. The coalition highlighted that at least four children collapsed during the recent court arraignments, attributing this to maltreatment and lack of medical care.

1. Violation of Rights:

• The statement emphasized that the detention of these minors represents a gross violation of their basic rights, including freedom of expression and assembly. CNG criticized the government’s abuse of power and its failure to prioritize the welfare of vulnerable citizens, particularly children.

1. Critique of Government Priorities:

• CNG pointed out the troubling contradiction in the government’s treatment of minors compared to that of criminals and bandits, who often face less stringent consequences for their actions. The coalition condemned the government’s neglect of essential services, economic hardships, and the increasing cost of living, which have left many citizens, including these minors, in a state of desperation.

1. Call for Humanitarian Support:

• In addition to demanding the immediate release of the detained minors, CNG called on relevant agencies and civil society organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to mitigate further health risks for these children. The coalition stressed that the protection of children is paramount and must be treated with compassion and respect.

Broader Implications

The CNG’s statement highlights the growing concern over the treatment of young protesters and the broader implications for human rights in Nigeria. As the government faces criticism for its handling of dissent, the call for dialogue and constructive engagement with young citizens represents a significant shift towards recognizing the voices of the youth in shaping the future of the nation.

Conclusion

The Coalition of Northern Groups has taken a firm stance against the detention of minors involved in the protests, urging the Nigerian government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens over intimidation tactics. With calls for immediate release and humanitarian support, the coalition emphasizes the need for accountability and compassion towards the youth, who are seen as the future of Nigeria. As these discussions unfold, the treatment of these minors may serve as a critical litmus test for the government’s commitment to human rights and social justice in the country.

Next Steps

• Government Response: The CNG’s demands may prompt a response from the Nigerian government regarding the treatment of detained minors and the broader approach to handling protests.
• Increased Advocacy: Advocacy groups may ramp up efforts to monitor the situation of detained minors and provide necessary support, pushing for systemic changes in the treatment of young protesters.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Increased public awareness and dialogue about the rights of minors and the implications of government actions on youth activism could emerge in response to the CNG’s statement.