Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has praised President Tinubu’s compassionate and fatherly action by ordering the release of the detained 76 protesting minors.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responding to public calls and releasing of the 76 detained minors, who had been arrested following the August 2024 protest, is hugely appreciative, we thanks and commended him for this gesture,” Governor Yusuf said.
The governor made the remark after receiving the teenagers from Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, on Tuesday.
Governor Yusuf thanked President Tinubu for his understanding and for granting the minors a second chance.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his compassion in responding to the appeals from various stakeholders within and outside Nigeria.
“Mr. President has demonstrated remarkable empathy and commitment to justice, and we truly appreciate his gesture,” he said.
The 76 minors, who had been detained in connection with the August protests, will be flown back to Kano where they will undergo a medical evaluation and receive necessary treatment before being reunited with their families.
Governor Yusuf assured that the children would be reintegrated into society through enrollment in local schools. They would be provided with opportunities to rebuild their lives and realize their full potentials.
In a released signed by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor added: “In light of the gravity of the charges against them, 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.”
A team of medical professionals has been designated to assess the physical and mental health of the released minors.
Following this, they will be reunited with their families and offered continued support to ensure they can live normal, productive lives.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the handover, emphasised that President Tinubu’s decision to pardon the teenagers was driven by humanitarian concerns.
“A total of 119 teenagers were detained in relation to the protests that caused significant financial loss, 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,” the Vice President explained.
Governor Yusuf reassured that his administration would continue to monitor the well-being of the released minors and provide the necessary support to ensure their successful reintegration into society.
76 released minors: Tinubu exhibited remarkable empathy – Gov Yusuf
