Governor Confirms 48 Children St0len, Raises Alarm Over Human Traff!cking, Orders Security Action

Governor Confirms 48 Children Stolen, Raises Alarm Over Human Trafficking, Orders Security Action

The governor made the disclosure on Friday while launching the state’s Ramadan palliative distribution programme in Gombe.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has raised serious concerns over child safety in Gombe State, revealing that at least 48 young children from the state are currently unaccounted for under circumstances suspected to involve abduction and trafficking.

The governor made the disclosure on Friday while launching the state’s Ramadan palliative distribution programme in Gombe.

He warned that the disturbing development signals a growing security and humanitarian challenge requiring immediate intervention.

According to Yahaya, official records compiled by the state government indicate that dozens of children, mostly between the ages of two and five, were allegedly taken out of the state, with their current locations unknown.

He explained that investigations so far show that the parents and families of the affected children still reside within Gombe State, intensifying fears that the minors may have been moved beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“Available information before us shows that 48 children from Gombe State within the age bracket of two to five years have been taken away to unknown destinations,” the governor said, according to Daily Trust.

“Their parents remain here, but we cannot say where the children are or whether they will be found.”

The governor did not specify the exact timeline of the disappearances or identify the communities where the incidents allegedly occurred, but stressed that authorities were increasingly worried about patterns suggesting organised criminal activity.

Yahaya referenced a recent kidnapping incident in the Orji Estate area, which he linked to emerging security gaps following the partial relaxation of the state’s motorcycle restriction policy.

He noted that although a child abducted in that case was eventually rescued, the incident underscored the vulnerability of children to criminal networks.

He described security as a shared responsibility, urging residents to remain alert and actively support law enforcement agencies with credible information to prevent further cases.

“We must collectively confront these emerging threats if we want peace restored,” he said.

“There was a time Nigerians lived more peacefully. We must ask ourselves what has changed and take decisive steps, no matter how difficult.”

The governor further called on community leaders, parents, and residents to strengthen vigilance and cooperate with ongoing government measures aimed at protecting lives, particularly vulnerable children, across the state.

The revelation has sparked renewed concerns among residents and civil society groups over child protection systems and the need for stronger surveillance and anti-trafficking mechanisms nationwide.