When the streets of Northern Nigeria filled with voices demanding an end to bad governance, there was hope that change might finally come. Yet what began as a peaceful call for accountability quickly unraveled into turmoil, leaving deep wounds in its wake. The North—once resilient and proud—now stands battered, its infrastructure in ruins and its people shaken.
As cities like Kano, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna fell into chaos, the protests were seized by hoodlums and criminal elements, morphing into waves of destruction. Security forces, despite their presence, seemed unable to stem the tide of violence that tore through both public and private properties. With each passing day, the North lost more of its spirit, standing stripped and scarred, a painful shadow of its former self.
But amidst the rubble, an even more haunting image surfaced. Footage circulated of malnourished, underage children—some barely able to stand—paraded before the courts, allegedly arrested as part of the protests. Gaunt, tear-streaked faces drew outrage and condemnation, leaving many to wonder: How did we fail these young, innocent souls so completely?
This crisis demands that we confront hard truths. Northern families, in many cases, have unwittingly abandoned their children to a life on the streets, exposing them to forces far beyond their control. In this environment, young minds, once full of potential, fall prey to exploitation, turning them into pawns in a greater game of unrest. These streets, which should have been a place of community, instead became breeding grounds for despair.
Yet the government’s response to this tragedy has been equally alarming. By treating detainees, including these children, with inhumanity, the authorities inflicted further pain on already vulnerable lives. The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, but the state’s heavy-handed approach sends a chilling message about the sanctity of citizens’ rights.
If we are to rebuild and restore, we must first address the root causes of this crisis. Northern families must reclaim their children from the streets, providing them with the guidance and support they need to thrive. Meanwhile, the government must address the deep-seated poverty and social inequality that make such crises inevitable. Addressing the grievances that fuel protests is essential—not only to prevent future unrest but to build a nation that upholds the rights of all its citizens.
To move forward as a nation, we must commit to addressing the issues that lie at the heart of recent crises. The first step is tackling poverty and inequality. Empowering communities with economic opportunities and access to essential services will give people a stake in their future, fostering a sense of hope and purpose. When individuals and families can rely on steady work, fair wages, and social services, communities gain resilience and stability, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole.
Secondly, we must reclaim our children from the streets. Too many young lives are left adrift, vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Families have a vital role to play in guiding and supporting their children, ensuring they grow up in safe, nurturing environments where they can reach their full potential. When children are raised with care and a sense of belonging, they are far less likely to be drawn into cycles of despair and unrest.
Third, protecting the rights of citizens is non-negotiable. The freedom to assemble and express discontent is a cornerstone of any democratic society. Authorities must honor this right, allowing people to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal. When the government respects and protects these rights, it strengthens the relationship between the state and its citizens, building trust and solidarity.
Lastly, all detainees must be treated humanely, with dignity and respect. In times of crisis, how we handle grievances speaks volumes about our values. By addressing legitimate concerns fairly and compassionately, we can prevent unrest from festering and build a foundation of mutual respect.
Together, these commitments can help us chart a course toward a more just, compassionate, and resilient Nigeria.
The fate of Nigeria lies in our hands. As the dust settles, we are left with a choice: to rise from these ashes, or to allow chaos to take root. For the North, for our children, and for our collective future—may we choose wisely.
Critically musing