Governor Inuwa Yahaya has revealed that 48 children have been reported missing in Gombe State, amid rising concerns over child abduction in the state.

 

 

 

The governor disclosed this on Friday during the inauguration of the Ramadan palliatives distribution exercise in Gombe. He did not specify when the children were taken but expressed uncertainty about their recovery.

 

 

According to Yahaya, official records show that 48 children aged between two and five years were allegedly taken from the state and trafficked to unknown destinations.

 

 

 

“Their parents are here in the state, but we do not know if the children will be found,” he said.

 

 

 

He cited a recent incident at Orji Estate, where a child was abducted shortly after the relaxation of a motorcycle restriction. The child was later rescued.

 

 

 

The governor stressed that security remains a shared responsibility and urged residents to support measures introduced to safeguard lives and property, even when such policies may be unpopular.

 

 

Yahaya noted that certain individuals had opposed restrictions, including a ban on metal scrap trading, arguing it affected their livelihoods. However, he maintained that the policy was introduced to address security threats such as vandalism and motorcycle theft.

 

 

 

He lamented the destruction of critical infrastructure, including rail lines and other public assets. The governor also revealed that the N26 billion Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park has been targeted by suspected vandals, with electrical installations linked to the Dadin Kowa Dam reportedly tampered with.

 

 

 

“We must take serious measures to confront these emerging threats and restore peace,” he said.

 

 

 

On the Ramadan intervention programme, Yahaya said 70,000 vulnerable residents across the state would benefit. The distribution targets persons living with disabilities, religious groups, orphanages, party support groups and other disadvantaged members of society.

 

 

 

He directed the Palliative Distribution Committee to ensure transparency and fairness, adding that items such as rice, macaroni, spaghetti, cooking oil and sugar must be distributed within three days.

 

 

 

The governor reiterated the need for collective efforts to strengthen peace and stability across the state.