Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, has raised alarm over what he described as an emerging wave of child trafficking and insecurity in the state, revealing that 48 children have reportedly been taken out of the state to unknown destinations.
Speaking on Friday during the distribution of Ramadan palliatives, the governor said records available to the state government indicated that dozens of young children between the ages of two and five had been stolen.
“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,” he said.
“Their parents are here within the state; for the children, we don’t know if they would be found or not.”
Yahaya also linked recent security concerns to the relaxation of the motorcycle ban in some parts of the state, citing a recent abduction incident.
“With the relaxation of the motorcycle ban, a boy was stolen at Orji Estate, but thankfully he was rescued,” the governor stated.
He stressed the need for urgent and decisive action to curb the emerging threats and safeguard residents.
“We must take serious measures to tackle these emerging threats and restore peace in the state,” he said.
Reflecting on the country’s past, the governor questioned the factors responsible for the growing insecurity.
“Before now, Nigerians were living in peace. Why was it so? What is now missing and what are we supposed to do?” he asked.
“We need to evaluate things today and do what we ought to do, no matter how tough.”
Yahaya, announced that 70,000 residents will benefit from this year’s Ramadan palliative food distribution programme across the state.
He said the initiative is part of his administration’s sustained efforts since 2019 to support vulnerable citizens during the holy month of Ramadan.
“This year, our Ramadan palliative programme is targeting 70,000 beneficiaries across the state,” the governor stated.
According to him, the distribution is designed to cover the physically challenged, religious organisations, orphanages, party support groups and other vulnerable members of society.
“We are continuing this noble initiative, thus reaffirming our administration’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that no member of our society is left behind,” he said.
The governor described Ramadan as a season of mercy, compassion, sacrifice and renewed commitment to humanity, noting that the period goes beyond fasting and prayers.
“Ramadan reminds us not only of fasting and prayer, but of our shared responsibility to uplift one another, especially the weak, needy and vulnerable,” he said.
Yahaya explained that the Ramadan palliative programme forms part of a broader range of social interventions implemented by his administration to cushion economic hardship and improve living standards.
“From food support initiatives to community empowerment programmes and humanitarian assistance, we have consistently acted with compassion and responsibility, guided by the belief that governance must touch lives directly and meaningfully,” he said.
To ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution process, the governor disclosed that a Palliative Distribution Committee has been constituted to oversee implementation across the state.
“I urge members of the committee to discharge their duties with the fear of God, integrity and compassion. The success of this initiative depends on your commitment to ensuring that these food items reach those who truly need them most,” he charged.
The governor also called on individuals, philanthropists, corporate organisations, religious bodies and development partners to complement government efforts by extending support to the needy during the fasting period.
“When communities, businesses and citizens embrace philanthropy, society becomes stronger, more peaceful and more prosperous,” he said.
He noted that this year’s Ramadan coincides with the Christian Lenten season, describing the convergence as a reminder of shared values among people of faith.
“This unique convergence reminds us of the shared values that unite us as people of faith; compassion, self-discipline, generosity and love for humanity,” Yahaya said, urging citizens to promote peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
The governor further called on residents to pray for the nation and for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he steers the country through ongoing reforms.
“Let us pray for the success and wisdom of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he leads our country through challenging but necessary reforms,” he said.
Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies and programmes aimed at reducing hardship, promoting inclusion and restoring hope across communities in the state.
“May Almighty Allah accept our fasting, our prayers and our acts of charity,” he prayed.
He concluded by wishing the people of Gombe State and Nigeria a peaceful and rewarding Ramadan.
Reacting, Chairman of Association of Local Government Areas, Barrister Sani Haruna, lauded the governor for prioritising vulnerables.
Haruna who doubles as Chairman of Gombe Local Government said, “We want to assure you that these items would be given to the those in need of it.”
