The House of Representatives Minority Caucus is demanding compensation for minors arrested during the nationwide hunger protests that took place on October 1. The protests were sparked by the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023, which exacerbated hardships across the country.
Recently, images of arrested children sparked outrage, with many accusing government officials of starving them while in custody. In response, the Minority Caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, Ali Isa, Aliyu Madaki, and George Ozodinobi, called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and alleged ill-treatment of the protesters.
Key Demands:
- Thorough Investigation: Into the arrest and treatment of protesters
- Prosecution and Disciplinary Action: Against individuals and government agencies involved
- Reparations: For children and families affected by unlawful detention
- Quality Therapy and Medical Support: For children reunited with families
The caucus commended President Tinubu for ordering the release of the minors, who faced terrorism, treason, and arson charges. However, they emphasized the need for accountability and punitive measures to prevent similar incidents.
Background:
The protests, tagged #EndBadGovernance, saw Nigerians take to the streets to demand better living conditions. The Minority Caucus’s statement highlights the need for government accountability and protection of human rights, especially for vulnerable groups like children.
