Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, has reported that over 80 peaceful protesters have been detained in Sokoto State.
Recall that some youths in Nigeria are currently observing a 10-day nationwide protest against what they described as poor governance, taking to the streets on Thursday to voice their demands.
While the protest began peacefully, it took a dramatic turn when some individuals hijacked the demonstration in certain states, leading to destruction and looting of property.
As the situation escalated in various states, security forces responded by firing tear gas, dispersing, and arresting protesters.
In Kano State alone, at least 269 individuals were detained in connection with the destruction and looting that occurred during the nationwide hardship protest, according to the state police command.
On Saturday, the third day of the demonstration, police forcibly removed some #EndBadGovernance protesters from the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The protesters, who had initially refrained from participating earlier in the day, returned to the venue with flags and placards, only to be met with gunfire and tear gas aimed at terrifying them into leaving.
Additional arrests were made in several states, including Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Sokoto.
In a tweet on Saturday, Amnesty International condemned these actions and called for the unconditional release of the detained youth who participated in the peaceful protests against hunger.
The organization stated, “Amnesty International condemns the Nigeria Police @PoliceNG Sokoto State command for the arbitrary arrest of 81 youth involved in the peaceful protest against hunger. #EndBadGovernance
“Our investigation indicates that these protesters were arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where a mobile court hastily remanded them in prison. We urge the authorities to release them immediately and unconditionally.”
