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A senior lecturer at the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe, Dr Tukur Yemi, has expressed deep concern over recent reports of minors, aged 10 to 18, facing treason charges for participating in a hunger protest.
Yemi stressed that these young Nigerians, who aimed to voice their frustration over conditions they feel are failing them, now face severe legal consequences typically reserved for adults involved in serious criminal offences.
In an open letter dated 3 November, made available to journalists over the weekend in Gombe, Yemi urgently appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider these charges and release the children immediately and unconditionally, as none were found in possession of harmful items or engaged in violent acts.
“I appeal to your sense of justice and compassion, urging you to release these children immediately and unconditionally. They require understanding and guidance, not punishment, as they navigate the world around them. Our judicial system should protect their right to express themselves, especially when their concerns pertain to issues that directly impact their lives and futures,” he said.
In recent instances, Dr Yemi highlighted how individuals seeking reintegration into society after advocating for regional rights were shown leniency and eventually released, demonstrating the possibility of a fair and compassionate approach. He questioned why a harsher response was being meted out to children who had committed no violent act and merely sought to be heard.
According to the former Head of Department at FUK, “Nigeria has long been known as the ‘Giant of Africa,’ a country rich in diversity, resilience, and spirit. Our nation’s reputation is defined by how we treat the most vulnerable among us, including our youth. The prolonged detention and prosecution of these children for peaceful protest not only raises ethical concerns but also risks drawing international criticism, affecting how Nigeria is viewed on the global stage.”
“These young Nigerians did not commit acts of violence nor seek to overthrow the government; rather, they simply raised their voices for a better future. Many of them have now spent 93 days in police custody without trial, missing school and suffering from inadequate food. During recent court appearances, reports indicate that several children appeared visibly weak, with some even fainting from hunger and thirst. To equate their peaceful protest with treason risks alienating our youth and sends the wrong message about their role in our society,” Yemi said.
Yemi noted that by responding with compassion and releasing the young Nigerians, the government would not only preserve Nigeria’s dignity but also reaffirm its commitment to democracy, human rights, and the importance of listening to its citizens. “Let us demonstrate to the world that Nigeria remains a beacon of hope, justice, and resilience for all its people,” he added
