Gombe Governor Reveals 48 Children Missing Amid Rising Abduction Concerns
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has made a distressing revelation that 48 children have been reported missing in the state, highlighting growing concerns over child abduction and trafficking. The governor disclosed this alarming information on Friday during the official inauguration of the Ramadan palliatives distribution exercise held in Gombe.
Details of the Missing Children
According to official records presented by Governor Yahaya, the 48 missing children are aged between two and five years. These young victims were allegedly taken from various locations within Gombe State and trafficked to unknown destinations. The governor expressed profound uncertainty about their potential recovery, stating, "Their parents are here in the state, but we do not know if the children will be found."
While Governor Yahaya did not specify the exact timeline of these abductions, he referenced a recent incident at Orji Estate where a child was abducted shortly after the relaxation of motorcycle restrictions. Fortunately, that particular child was later rescued, but the broader pattern remains deeply troubling.
Security Challenges and Policy Measures
Governor Yahaya emphasized that security remains a shared responsibility between the government and residents. He urged the public to support various security measures implemented to safeguard lives and property, even when such policies might be unpopular among certain segments of the population.
The governor specifically addressed opposition to certain restrictions, including a ban on metal scrap trading. Some individuals had argued that this policy negatively affected their livelihoods. However, Governor Yahaya maintained that the restriction was necessary to address serious security threats such as vandalism and motorcycle theft, which have become prevalent in the state.
Infrastructure Vandalism and Economic Impact
In addition to the child abduction crisis, Governor Yahaya lamented the widespread destruction of critical infrastructure across Gombe State. He revealed that public assets including rail lines have been targeted by vandals, causing significant damage to essential services and economic development.
Most alarmingly, the governor disclosed that the N26 billion Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park has also been targeted by suspected vandals. Electrical installations connected to the Dadin Kowa Dam have reportedly been tampered with, posing serious risks to both security and economic stability. "We must take serious measures to confront these emerging threats and restore peace," Governor Yahaya declared.
Ramadan Palliatives Distribution Programme
During the same event, Governor Yahaya outlined details of the state's Ramadan intervention programme. Approximately 70,000 vulnerable residents across Gombe State are set to benefit from this initiative. The distribution specifically targets:
- Persons living with disabilities
- Various religious groups
- Orphanages and care facilities
- Party support groups
- Other disadvantaged members of society
The governor directed the Palliative Distribution Committee to ensure complete transparency and fairness throughout the process. He mandated that essential items including rice, macaroni, spaghetti, cooking oil, and sugar must be distributed within a strict three-day timeframe to ensure timely assistance to those in need.
Call for Collective Action
Governor Yahaya concluded his remarks by reiterating the urgent need for collective efforts to strengthen peace and stability across Gombe State. He emphasized that only through coordinated action between government agencies, security forces, and community members can the state effectively address both the immediate crisis of missing children and the broader security challenges threatening public safety and economic development.
The governor's revelations have sparked renewed concerns about child safety and security infrastructure in northeastern Nigeria, with many residents calling for enhanced protective measures and more robust investigation into the whereabouts of the missing children.
