The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has called for compensation for minors arrested for allegedly participating in the hunger protest that took place in major cities across the country.
On 1 October, some Nigerians took to the streets to protest hardships exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023.
Last week, images of children arrested in connection with the protest sparked local and international condemnation, with many accusing government officials of starving them while they were in custody.
In a statement issued on Friday, signed by Kingsley Chinda, Ali Isa, Aliyu Madaki, and George Ozodinobi — Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader, and Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, respectively — the caucus called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and alleged ill-treatment of the protesters.
The caucus also commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering the immediate release of the minors, who were charged with terrorism, treason, and arson by the Nigerian Police Force.
