When voices rise in waves of protest, deeper wounds are uncovered, truths woven into our laws and ethics, waiting to be unearthed. In Nigeria, the #EndBadGovernance protests have become a mirror reflecting these issues: the government arrested and prosecuted 76 people, including minors, accusing them of conspiring to overthrow the government. These were innocent children facing charges of treason – a serious charge usually leveled at those who threaten national stability. Seeing children in a courtroom on charges they could not fully understand is heartbreaking, bringing disbelief, anger and sadness. It prompts us to ask: How could the state fail them so completely? This incident, which cries out for reparation, strikes at the heart of justice, empathy and humanity. It is now a scar on the nation’s conscience.

“It prompts us to ask: How could the state fail them so completely? This incident, which cries out for reparation, strikes at the heart of justice, empathy and humanity. It is now a scar on the nation’s conscience.”

The allegations of treason were not only harsh but also deeply disturbing, exposing the flaws in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. These children were held in detention for three months without age verification or due process, leaving them scared, confused and alone. Imagine the loneliness and deep fear they must have felt, taken from their families and thrown into a system that saw them as threats rather than children who should be given an education. Each day of isolation stripped them of safety and hope, while onlookers were forced to confront a painful reality: a society that seems to have lost sight of its humanity.

The Nigerian Constitution, particularly in Chapter 2, emphasizes the responsibility of the state to protect the dignity, equality and well-being of its citizens, especially the youth and the vulnerable. In practice, however, the system is insufficient. UNICEF reports that more than 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, many of whom struggle to survive on the streets. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real children whose dreams and futures are compromised by systemic failures. How can a society that claims to value its future generations allow them to be so vulnerable and unprotected? How could the justice system fail them when they needed it most? The country’s failure to protect the rights of these children leaves a painful imprint on the collective conscience.

Some critics might argue that because Chapter 2 rights are not justiciable, the government has no legal obligation to enforce them. But this view only widens the gap between what the law allows and what our conscience demands. These detained minors have suffered serious emotional and psychological harm, facing fear and helplessness that may affect them for life. Studies by the Nigerian Psychological Association show that prolonged detention leaves children with severe trauma, depression and anxiety. For these young people, the experiences they have endured can be difficult to overcome. And for the country, the haunting reality is clear: it has allowed children to suffer rather than protect them as it should.

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This incident raises painful questions about our society’s empathy, responsibility and commitment to our youngest citizens.

Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally, with over 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 lacking access to education. These statistics represent not only a national failure, but also a betrayal of the potential and hopes of these children. When vulnerable children face unjustified detention and abuse, it is a profound failure that resonates throughout society, showing a profound lack of compassion and justice. Without substantial change, these systemic failures will continue, leading more children down a similar path of abandonment and abuse.

Accountability and reform in government and law enforcement are urgently needed. The #EndSARS protests have shed light on systemic police brutality in Nigeria, revealing a pattern of abuse and mistreatment that often targets young Nigerians. This behavior persists due to the lack of accountability of officials, fueling frustration, helplessness and a growing sense of betrayal among citizens. When those entrusted with protection become oppressors, trust in government erodes, leaving a society that feels abandoned and vulnerable.

Immediate action is crucial to start the healing process. Legal reforms are needed to establish specific protections for minors, ensuring that children are not unjustly detained and their rights are respected in court proceedings. Advocacy efforts by civil society groups are essential here, bringing these issues to light and driving change. Advocacy is not just about revising laws; it’s about instilling empathy in the public and decision-makers, reminding them that every affected child is an individual deserving of compassion and protection.

Empathy training for government officials and law enforcement could also significantly improve how cases involving minors are handled. Studies in Kenya have shown that officers trained in sensitivity and child protection tend to reduce cases of abuse and maltreatment. Such changes, while achievable, would not only protect children but also help restore faith in a justice system that currently feels indifferent to the needs of its people. A shift to collective responsibility in protecting vulnerable populations is essential, as shown by UNICEF’s work in Nigeria, where community-based programs support at-risk children by reducing their exposure to unsafe environments. Expanding these programs nationally could provide many young people with a lifeline, saving them from the difficulties of navigating life alone.

The recent indictment of minors in the #EndBadGovernance protests highlights harsh realities in Nigerian society. For the children involved, these experiences can remain a dark part of their lives, reminding them of the systems that let them down. For the rest of society, it should serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of justice, empathy and compassion in our approach to governance and law enforcement.

Most of these vulnerable children are out-of-school children with limited education, exposing them to risk and manipulation. It is not their fault that they find themselves trapped in systemic neglect, unable to use their talents to contribute to Nigeria’s future. Still, there is hope. Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, has already demonstrated his commitment to addressing the needs of out-of-school children by focusing on vocational education and improving technical colleges. His plans to include practical skills in basic education could give these children a chance to learn a trade, find purpose and make a meaningful contribution to society.

This incident must not be forgotten; it should spark a movement for change, pushing Nigeria towards a future where children are valued and protected. We owe it to these minors, ourselves and future generations to build a society that respects the dignity, rights and humanity of every individual. Only by learning from this painful experience can we hope to create a Nigeria where children, regardless of their circumstances, are safe, valued and supported.