The Amnesty International has alleged that over 1,000 Nigerians who participated in a nationwide protest against worsening hunger and misgovernance are currently being held in prison custody across the country.
While criticizing the administration of President Bola Tinubu for responding to the peaceful protests with a crackdown rather than addressing the economic issues that are exacerbating hunger and harming families, the global human rights organization confirmed that at least 632 protesters are being held in Kano State, while over 109 are being detained in Sokoto prison custody.
The organisation expressed concerns over the mass arrests and called for a more constructive approach to addressing the protesters’ grievances.
According to the statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) account, the organisation wrote: “Instead of addressing people’s concern on the economy, the Nigerian authorities embarked on crackdown.
“So far, over 1000 people have been remanded over the protest against hunger.
“At least 632 protesters have been remanded in Kano, while over 109 were remanded in Sokoto prison.”