Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has sounded the alarm over the reported disappearance of 48 children, describing it as part of a disturbing wave of child-stealing incidents in the state.
The governor made the revelation on Friday during the inauguration of the Ramadan palliatives distribution exercise in Gombe, where he expressed deep concern about the safety of young residents.
“From the available records, 48 Gombe State children between the ages of two and five have been stolen from the state to other parts of the world,” Yahaya stated.
He noted that the children have parents within the state but their current whereabouts remain unknown, with uncertainty surrounding their safe return.
No specific timeline or locations for the disappearances were detailed in the governor's address, though he linked the issue to broader security challenges.
He cited a recent incident where a boy was reportedly stolen at Orji Estate following the relaxation of a motorcycle ban, but the child was later rescued.
Yahaya called for collective responsibility in addressing emerging security threats, urging citizens and authorities to work together to restore peace.
He questioned the shift from Nigeria's past era of relative safety, saying, “Nigerians used to live in peace. What has changed?”
The governor also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat related crimes, such as motorcycle theft, vandalism of electrical installations from the Dadin Kowa dam, and theft of equipment at the N26 billion Muhammadu Buhari industrial park.
Measures include restrictions on metal scrap dealings to curb such activities.The palliative distribution targets 70,000 vulnerable beneficiaries, including the physically challenged, religious organizations, orphanages, and other groups, with items like rice, macaroni, spaghetti, oil, and sugar to be disbursed transparently over three days.
The allegations have heightened concerns about child safety and potential trafficking in Gombe State amid rising insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.
No immediate details on police investigations or recoveries were provided in the governor's remarks.
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