The West Africa Network for Child Protection (WAN Network) condemned the detention and reported mistreatment of over 100 minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Abuja, Nigeria.
In a statement today, WAN raised concerns about the conditions these children endured in custody, describing their treatment as a “violation of their fundamental human rights.”
WAN stated that these minors were exercising their right to peaceful protest against deteriorating socio-economic conditions in Nigeria. Instead of being allowed to voice their concerns, they were reportedly “subjected to inhumane treatment and deprived of their basic rights,” the organization said.
The network reported alarming observations from the courtroom, where several of the children appeared “emaciated, showed signs of illness, and fainted,” indicating the harsh conditions they allegedly faced in detention.
Mamman Buhari, National Coordinator of WAN, expressed the network’s frustration: “WAN Network is disappointed and condemns this disregard for the well-being of the over 100 young protesters.”
The organization has called on Nigerian authorities, including the National Judiciary Commission and the Nigerian Police Force, to act immediately to ensure the health and safety of these minors. They urge authorities to expedite the bail process, provide medical care to the children, and investigate the conditions of their detention.
WAN also appealed to the international community, including the International Criminal Court and UNICEF, to monitor the situation closely.
The WAN statement highlights the broader implications of the incident, describing the treatment of these young protesters as “a reminder of the urgent need for reforms to ensure justice, human rights, and the rule of law in the country.”
The WAN Network affirmed, “We will not rest until justice is served,” as the organization advocates for accountability and reforms to protect the rights of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
