Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called for the immediate release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, expressing concern over their condition in captivity.
Falana made the remarks during the June 12 protest while addressing demonstrators on insecurity, economic hardship and the state of democracy in the country.
According to him, the protest was organised not only to demand the rescue of the abducted victims but also to draw attention to broader issues affecting Nigerians.
He said, “We are protesting kidnapping of our children in Oyo State, we are also protesting injustice in our country, a situation whereby innocent school children in Oyo and Borno State have been in the custody of criminals for several weeks now. We are also protesting injustice meted out to young people who are regularly arrested on the highways by the police.
“We are also protesting hunger in the land, poverty in the land and we are calling on the government that there is no basis for poverty in Nigeria. Our country has enormous material, natural resources and capital resources to make our people happy.”
Falana said the abducted children and teachers were enduring difficult conditions in captivity.
“Those kids are suffering. No medical attention, no food for them. And so for us as Nigerians, all of us are in custody, one way or the other.
“And we demand the immediate release of those children and their teachers,” he said.
The senior advocate further stated that one of the teachers had been killed, describing it as an attempt to pressure authorities into accelerating efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims.
“As you are well aware, a teacher has been beheaded in order to convince the government to move speedily to have those children released,” he added.
Speaking on the significance of June 12, Falana thanked Nigerians who participated in the protest and argued that the country’s democratic journey remains incomplete.
“We also want to thank you for coming out today to mark the June 12 anniversary.
“As you are well aware, there is no democracy in Nigeria. What we have is civil rule. Civilian administration. The struggle for democracy must continue,” he said.
Falana also appreciated members of the media for their coverage of the event and urged Nigerians to sustain civic engagement.
Source: Punch
