Arrest Hunger and Hardship, Not Children" – Yerima Shettima Speaks Out Against Detention of Minors

**Kaduna, Nigeria – November 4, 2024** – Yerima Shettima, President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), has strongly condemned the prolonged detention and trial of children under the age of 18 who participated in the recent #EndHunger protest. The minors, reportedly held for over 90 days, now face court arraignments for alleged treason.

Shettima described the government’s response as "callous and cruel," likening it to actions reminiscent of a military regime. He argued that the malnourished appearance of the children only highlights the urgency of their demand, adding that the government should be addressing the root cause of the protests — hunger and hardship — instead of punishing young Nigerians.

"This is a national embarrassment, sending a troubling message to the international community," Shettima said. "These are our children who should be in school, building a future for our country, not languishing in detention for peacefully voicing their struggles."

Shettima called on the Federal Government to focus its efforts on combating the nation’s hunger crisis rather than using minors as scapegoats. 

**SIGNED:**  

Yerima Shettima Media and Publicity Office, Kaduna