Once a haven of tranquility for families, Bauchi State is now grappling with an alarming surge in child trafficking incidents. Perpetrators are employing deceitful tactics to infiltrate communities and exploit vulnerable children, leaving parents in a state of heightened anxiety.
A recent harrowing event underscores the severity of the issue. On December 17, 2024, in the Gwallameji area of Bauchi metropolis, a woman who had resided in a compound for merely five days managed to abduct three children. She had cunningly gained the trust of both the children and their parents by offering sweets, playing with the kids, and promising gifts. This facade of kindness masked her sinister intentions.
One of the affected parents, Maryam Habibu, recounted the distressing experience of her 6-year-old daughter, Nana Khadija, being taken. “She said she would buy Nana a gift for coming first in her class and even bought snacks for the children,” Maryam recalled. The woman had promised to take the children to the market, but they soon realized she had disappeared without explanation. For 21 agonizing days, the families searched tirelessly, unsure of their children’s whereabouts. Nana was eventually found safe, having been taken hundreds of kilometers away.
Another parent, Abdulkadir Salisu, described the events leading up to his child’s abduction as shocking. “The woman had promised to buy a school bag for the girl and balls for the boys,” Salisu explained. On the day of the market visit, she told the children she was taking them to buy their gifts, but when the women in the house went looking, they found out she had taken the children without notifying anyone. By the time we realized what had happened, the children had already disappeared.
In response to the escalating crisis, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has taken decisive action by signing Executive Order 002, 2025, aimed at combating child abduction and trafficking. The order mandates landlords to profile and verify tenants’ identities before leasing properties, requires community leaders to vet and identify all tenants within their jurisdictions, and compels transport unions to verify individuals traveling with children and report any suspicious activities. Governor Mohammed emphasized the importance of community involvement in safeguarding children and warned that violations of the order will attract penalties.
The recent abductions have left many parents in Bauchi State fearful and vigilant. The community is now on high alert, with parents taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of their children. The government’s swift response, coupled with increased community awareness, aims to curb the menace of child trafficking and restore a sense of security among residents.
As Bauchi confronts this growing threat, the collaboration between law enforcement, government authorities, and the community will be crucial in protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens—its children.
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