In a renewed drive against child trafficking in Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has handed over three children abducted from Bauchi and trafficked to Anambra State to their parents.
The three children were stolen from Bauchi and sold in Anambra by unscrupulous individuals from Gwallameji, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis, namely Fatima Zakari aged six years; 4-year-old Isa Abdulkadir and Salisu Sabo also four years of age, were safely returned through collaborative efforts of security operations of the two states.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Mohammed, had, before the handover, at an impressive ceremony at Government House yesterday, briefed Governor Bala Mohammed on the successful rescue operation.
CP Musa narrated the joint efforts of the Bauchi and Anambra State Police commands, working in close coordination with the Offices of the State First Ladies of the two states under the Gender-Based Violence Committee.
The chairperson, Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed had earlier commended her husband for his unwavering support in combating child abuse, abduction, and trafficking across the state
Aisha Bala Mohammed emphasised that Governor Bala’s commitment has been instrumental in the success of various initiatives led by the Gender-Based Violence Committee.
She thanked the Anambra State first lady for the efforts in tracing the kidnapped children in that state after they were taken from Bauchi, and warned parents and guardians to always look after their children by knowing their whereabouts at any point in time.
A’isha stated, “The world is now becoming more and more dynamic each and every day that even animals are becoming more handsome, especially in this era of cultism and child-trafficking.
“Mothers are supposed to constantly keep in touch with their children even if they are playing within the compound, because of instances of tampering with electrical appliances”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Bala Mohammed condemned the heinous activities of those exploiting innocent children and praised security agencies, as well as the First Ladies of Bauchi and Anambra States, for their crucial roles in tackling such criminal acts.
The governor urged parents to remain vigilant and ensure the proper upbringing and monitoring of their children, and called on community leaders to supervise and monitor residents in their localities to prevent future occurrences.
Reiterating the importance of justice, Governor Mohammed stressed that justice delayed is justice denied, directing that perpetrators be dealt with decisively according to the law.