Where is our Humanity? Activist Lily-white O Esigbone Demands Accountability for Police Brutality Against Nigeria Minors
As a dedicated human rights activist and esteemed member of the Civil Rights Council in Nigeria, specifically the Warri Branch, it is deeply troubling and disheartening to witness the recent events that transpired under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady. The unjust arrest and prolonged detention of minors, some as young as 10 and 13, for over 93 days despite clear indications of malnourishment, is a grave violation of their rights and raises significant concerns about our society’s moral compass.
Furthermore, the dismissive response by the Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun, who brazenly suggested that the minors’ fainting in court was a staged act, only adds insult to injury. The lack of outcry from prominent figures in Nigeria in the face of such egregious violations calls into question the very essence of our shared humanity.
This disturbing incident sheds light on the alarming trend of the Nigerian police force’s disregard for the welfare and dignity of its citizens, effectively treating them as mere instruments of control rather than safeguarding their rights and well-being. The prioritization of arbitrary detentions over holding accountable individuals who have committed more serious offenses, such as the failure to apprehend former Governor Yahaya Bello in a timely manner, is a tragic reflection of a system that has lost sight of its duty to serve and protect the people it is meant to uphold.
It is with great urgency and profound concern that we implore the international community to intervene in the current plight of these minors in Nigeria. Despite repeated appeals from the Nigerian populace, both the presidency and the Nigeria Police have regrettably overlooked these pressing calls for action. As such, the safety and well-being of these vulnerable children hang in the balance, demanding immediate attention and assistance from the global community.
The release of these children into the loving care of their parents is not merely a request but an imperative necessity for their physical, emotional, and mental welfare. Their separation from their families due to circumstances beyond their control is a grave injustice that cannot be ignored. It is incumbent upon the international community to uphold the fundamental rights of these minors and ensure their prompt reunification with their loved ones.
In the face of adversity and neglect, let us stand united in our resolve to safeguard the innocence and dignity of these children. Your support and intervention can make a profound difference in securing a brighter future for these minors.