Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for heeding public calls to release 76 minors detained after the August 2024 protest.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor praised the President’s compassionate response, calling it a “magnanimous gesture toward the youth of Kano State.”
The governor made these remarks after receiving the teenagers from Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa. Governor Yusuf thanked President Tinubu for his understanding and for giving the minors a second chance.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his compassion in responding to the appeals from various stakeholders within and outside Nigeria,” Yusuf said. “Mr. President has demonstrated remarkable empathy and commitment to justice, and we truly appreciate his gesture.”
The 76 minors, detained in connection with the protests, will be flown back to Kano, where they will undergo medical evaluations and necessary treatment before reuniting with their families. Governor Yusuf assured that the children would be reintegrated into society through school enrollment, providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives.
“In light of the gravity of the charges, we recognize the importance of offering these children a second chance. While their actions were regrettable, their status as minors should not deny them the opportunity to rehabilitate and contribute positively to society,” the governor said.
A team of medical professionals has been designated to assess the minors’ physical and mental health. Afterward, they will be reunited with their families and given continued support to help them lead normal, productive lives.
During the handover, Vice President Shettima emphasized that President Tinubu’s decision was driven by humanitarian concerns. “A total of 119 teenagers were detained in relation to the protests, which caused significant financial losses, including over 3 billion naira. Of these, 76 were from Kano, and 73 have now been handed over to Governor Yusuf. Three minors have already been reunited with their families, while 39 others from Kaduna State have been handed over to Governor Uba Sani,” he explained.
Governor Yusuf reassured that his administration would continue monitoring the well-being of the released minors and provide support to ensure their successful reintegration into society.
VANGUARD
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