Kano Governor Hands Over Released #EndBadGovernance Protest Minors To Parents

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by Chief of Staff Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, handed over 76 minors arrested during the October 1, 2024, #EndBadGovernance protests to their parents on Thursday. The minors, who had been held in detention and later treated for various ailments at Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, were reunited with their families during a ceremony.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the minors, part of a group of 76 defendants, including 28 individuals under 18, were arraigned at an Abuja High Court on November 1, 2024. Their malnourished and unkempt appearance, coupled with reports of some collapsing in court, sparked nationwide outrage. President Bola Tinubu subsequently ordered their immediate release.

On November 5, Vice President Kashim Shettima officially handed over the released minors to their respective governors at a Presidential Villa ceremony. Those of Kano origin were flown back home and provided medical care.

During the handover, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for facilitating the minors’ release and called on parents to prioritize their children’s education to contribute meaningfully to society. He emphasized that both federal and state governments would provide support for the children’s education, while warning parents against forming associations to solicit financial assistance.

Kano’s Education Commissioner Haruna Doguwa announced various support measures, including aiding one final-year undergraduate to complete their studies and employing another holding a National Certificate in Education. Eight protesters who had completed secondary school will receive support for further education, while 50 others will be assisted in completing secondary education, with uniforms and shoes already provided.

The Health Commissioner, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, confirmed that all detained minors had undergone medical evaluation and treatment before being reunited with their families.

Parents expressed gratitude to the government for the support and thanked individuals who contributed to the children’s release. Former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, founder of the Bafarawa Foundation, donated ₦50,000 each to the released minors to support their education.

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