Group demands psychosocial support for detained minors

Human rights advocates from a coalition of women-led organisations, Womanifesto, have urged the federal government to provide urgent psychosocial support for minors recently detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

Although the president issued a statement for the release of the minors, Womanifesto argued that the conditions the children faced in detention had likely caused lasting trauma.

They, therefore, called on the government to prioritise immediate counselling and psychosocial assistance.

“The trauma these children experienced during detention cannot be overlooked. We urge the government to ensure that these young people receive adequate support to recover,” said the Womanifesto spokesperson.

The coalition has also emphasised the need for educational and vocational support for the affected minors.

“With some children missing school while detained, Womanifesto is advocating for accessible rehabilitation programmes to help them make up for lost time. They are asking the government to offer both educational and vocational training options as part of a reintegration effort,” the spokesperson added.

The group is also calling for the release of other protesters who remain in custody, asserting that the government’s handling of the situation reveals systemic issues in Nigeria’s approach to human rights and child welfare.