Detained minors lament ordeal in custody, urge youths to shun protests
Several minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protest have shared their harrowing experiences after two months in custody in Abuja, recounting periods of isolation and enduring extended spells without food.
Speaking to PUNCH at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital in Kano upon their return on Tuesday night, the minors described the extreme conditions they endured, often spending days without adequate food or sunlight.
A 15-year-old detainee, Umar Ali, disclosed the harsh conditions, saying, “We suffered greatly in detention. Sometimes we went up to three days without food, and when food was available, it was barely enough to sustain us.”
Ali shared that he was arrested while on his way to the market for menial work, insisting he had no involvement in any protest. He explained that the extended time without sunlight had impaired their vision.
“We rarely saw sunlight in our holding area, which is why some of us struggled to see clearly when we appeared in court,” he added.
He urged young people to avoid participating in any form of protest, recounting the severe treatment they endured despite his lack of involvement.
