BREAKING: President Tinubu Orders Release of Minors Detained Over Hunger Protests

By Iyojo Ameh

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of minors detained for participating in hunger protests in Abuja two months ago. This decision follows widespread public outcry condemning the government’s handling of the protests.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, during an emergency press briefing at the State House on Monday.

The minister confirmed that President Tinubu, in response to growing criticism and concerns about the welfare of minors, ordered their release as a gesture of compassion and commitment to addressing the grievances expressed by Nigerians.

“The President acknowledges the hardship many are facing and is committed to finding sustainable solutions to the nation’s hunger crisis,” Mr.

Idris stated. He added that the administration remains focused on initiatives aimed at improving food security and alleviating economic challenges impacting citizens.

The protests, which drew attention both locally and internationally, were fueled by rising costs of food and basic necessities, leaving many families struggling to meet daily needs. The arrest of minors who had reportedly joined the protests with their families sparked a backlash, with human rights organizations, activists, and citizens calling for their immediate release.

He also announced that Mr Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately attend to the welfare of these minors, and to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.

The Minister said, “The President has ordered the immediate release of all the minors who have been arrested by the Nigeria Police without prejudice to whatever legal processes they are undergoing. He has directed that they be released immediately.

“Secondly, the President has also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately attend to the welfare of these minors, and to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.

“Thirdly, the President has directed that an administrative committee will be set up immediately, to be headed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to examine all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of these young minors.

“Fourthly, the President has also directed that all law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if any infractions are found to have been committed by any official of Government, whether from a law enforcement agency or another appropriate authority, disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.”