Protesters detained over the August #EndBadGovernance demonstrations have recounted the harsh conditions they endured in detention following their release to Kaduna State Governor, Malam Uba Sani, on Tuesday.
The protesters were being held at the Kuje prison in Abuja.
They revealed that they survived on small rations of beans and garri throughout their 68-day stay.
NewsNGR reported that the 114 suspects were released after the Federal Government dropped treason charges against them amidst public backlash.
Following their release, the minors and other detainees were handed over to the governors of Kano and Kaduna states in a ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking to Daily Trust after being reunited with his family, Hassan Muhammad, a resident of Ghana Road in Malali, Kaduna, narrated his ordeal.
“I was arrested on August 5th at Ahmadu Bello Way in Kaduna during the protest. After our arrest, we were taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), then moved to the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). We spent 18 days there before being transferred to Kuje Prison. The experience was very bad, and the feeding was also bad. We survived on beans and garri for 68 days,” Muhammad said
Also, Muhammad Abubakar from Zaria, described his arrest as a tough but valuable lesson. “It’s something that will stay with me for a long time,” he said, while expressing relief at finally returning home.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, urged the released detainees to reintegrate into their communities as advocates for peace and positive change.
Salisu noted that they would receive support, including empowerment and psychosocial services, to help them rebuild their lives.