The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged security agencies to focus their efforts on apprehending the real culprits behind the #Endbadgovernance protests that took place on August 1, rather than innocent minors who have been detained.
Sanusi made these remarks during a visit yesterday to the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital in Kano, where the freed minors are undergoing rehabilitation.
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“On interviewing them, many of them are students who go to school. They were picked up in the streets, not in the middle of the violent act,” the Emir stated. “It is sad that they received this treatment. But we thank the presidency and the federal government for intervening and bringing an end to their difficulties. If this had continued, I am sure many of them would have lost their lives.”
Sanusi called for a more targeted approach, emphasizing that the adults responsible for inciting violence should be held accountable. “This riot happened in Kano, photographs were taken, people were identified. Those people have been walking around the streets, including in Abuja, while these children have been in custody,” he said. “We hope that in the interest of justice, when things of this nature happen, we will identify the real culprits and arrest them and try them rather than innocent children.”
The Emir also commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor Abba Yusuf, and concerned citizens for their support in securing the minors’ release.
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has advised the minors to avoid any involvement in future violent protests. Addressing the minors in Hausa, he said, “Do not engage in any form of violent protest. Wherever you see youths wanting to stage a protest, preach against it to them, as you have become those to preach to others. This should serve as a lesson to you, and you are to preach against it to others.”
Governor Yusuf announced plans to support the educational and business needs of the minors. The state’s commissioner of education will assess their educational status to help those who are out of school return to their studies, while those engaged in business will receive financial assistance to continue their trades.
The children will remain under medical supervision at the hospital for several days to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared for reintegration into society.
