In a series of coordinated arrests, the Nigeria Police Force detained 11 youths and residents in Yobe State on Saturday morning.
The arrests, targeting participants of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, took place in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Gashua areas.
According to sources, the police forcefully took the protesters from their residences. The detainees, known for their outspoken stance during the nationwide protests, were seen as leaders in the movement against economic hardship in the state.
A local source revealed, “Several youths were arrested in Damaturu and Potiskum in an apparent attempt to punish those vocal about the ongoing economic issues. At least 11 youths from Gashua have been taken to the state police CID in Damaturu.”
The arrests have generated significant tension within the community, with concerns about a potential expansion of the clampdown to include all protest participants.
Amnesty International Condemns Arrest Of Protesters
In a related development, global human rights organization Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of Umar Danjani, a protester detained in Jigawa State. Danjani was arrested by the Nigerian Police Force on Thursday while participating in a protest in Jigawa. He was later arraigned and remanded in Birnin Kudi prison.
Amnesty International’s statement on X (formerly Twitter) read, “Amnesty International calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Umar Danjani, one of the protesters against hunger, who was hurriedly remanded in Birnin Kudi prison. Subjecting critical voices to intimidation and arbitrary arrests for speaking out is unlawful.”
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