Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has publicly condemned the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing trial of minors arrested during the protests. His remarks come in light of the harsh treatment these young detainees have faced, which he argues is a betrayal of the support they provided to Tinubu's rise to power.
In a statement released on his official social media platforms, Governor Mohammed expressed his outrage over the conditions under which approximately 125 youths, including minors, were detained following their arrest on August 3, 2024. The governor highlighted that these individuals were subjected to inhumane treatment, including starvation, while awaiting trial on serious charges such as terrorism and attempted government overthrow.
Governor Mohammed stated, “It is disheartening to witness our young ones being treated with such cruelty, especially when they were part of the support system that brought this administration to power. The silence of northern leaders on this issue is alarming and reflects a lack of unity among us.” He emphasized that the current situation not only undermines the rights of these minors but also raises questions about the government's commitment to justice and human rights.
The governor criticized the exorbitant bail conditions set at N10 million, questioning how families struggling with basic needs could afford such demands. “How can someone who struggles to afford three meals a day be expected to pay N10 million in bail?” he asked. He called for an urgent review of these conditions and urged security agencies and the judiciary to adopt a more humane approach toward justice.
Furthermore, Governor Mohammed attributed the unrest leading to the protests to widespread hunger and economic hardship exacerbated by policies from the Tinubu administration. He asserted that these policies have failed to address the fundamental issues facing Nigerians, particularly in the northern regions.