Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong criticism over a recent video showing malnourished children reportedly brought before a Federal High Court under orders from the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu.
Abubakar likened the scene to “a Nazi concentration camp,” decrying the government’s alleged disregard for vulnerable lives, particularly those of children.
Citing Section 11 of the Child’s Rights Act, which guarantees children’s dignity and protection from abuse, Abubakar emphasized that no child should endure “physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect, or degrading treatment.” The children, reportedly charged for their involvement in anti-government protests in August, have been held in detention for three months before their court appearance.
Abubakar further criticized President Tinubu, who he noted has historically led protests himself, for now allegedly penalizing children for exercising their right to peaceful demonstration.
He argued that the conditions these children faced justify the protest, as they are among those most affected by the government’s policies.
The former Vice President concluded by highlighting that a nation’s values are reflected in how it treats its vulnerable citizens, calling for accountability in the treatment of these young detainees.
