Says victims starving, denied medical care in captivity•
 Human rights lawyer insists Nigeria practicing ‘civil rule,’ not true democracy

IBADAN — Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has demanded the immediate and unconditional rescue of school pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oyo State, lamenting that the victims are enduring horrific conditions.

Falana made the passionate plea while addressing a crowd of demonstrators during the June 12 protest. He revealed that the demonstration was organized to confront the worsening wave of insecurity, severe economic hardship, and systemic injustice across the federation.

Horrific Conditions in Captivity

Expressing deep worry over the welfare of the hostages, the senior advocate stated that the children have been cut off from food and vital medical attention for weeks. He revealed that the crisis has already turned fatal, with the kidnappers executing a school teacher to force the government`s hand.

“Those kids are suffering. No medical attention, no food for them," Falana stated. "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 noted that the security failure is not isolated, pointing out that innocent school children in both Oyo and Borno states have remained in the custody of criminal gangs for several weeks without rescue.

Protesting Hunger Amid Abundance

The human rights activist strongly criticized the federal government over prevailing poverty levels, arguing that Nigeria’s vast natural resources leave no justification for widespread hunger. He further condemned the routine harassment and unlawful arrest of young Nigerians on highways by police officers.

“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,” he added.

`Civil Rule, Not Democracy`

Reflecting on the significance of the June 12 anniversary, Falana argued that the country`s democratic transition remains incomplete, describing the current political structure as mere civilian administration rather than a functional democracy.

While thanking the media and the public for their resilience, he charged Nigerians to sustain peaceful civic engagements until true democratic governance and total liberation are achieved.