Governor Confirms 48 Missing Children
Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has confirmed that criminals abducted 48 children across the state.
He made the disclosure during the inauguration of the Ramadan palliative distribution exercise in Gombe.
According to him, the missing children are between two and five years old.
Authorities Yet to Locate the Victims
The governor said security agencies have not located the children.
“Available records show that criminals took 48 Gombe children to unknown destinations,” he stated.
However, he did not specify when the abductions occurred.
Meanwhile, he admitted that authorities remain uncertain about their recovery.
Security Measures Spark Debate
Some residents have criticized the government’s security policies.
Nevertheless, Governor Yahaya defended the measures. He said officials introduced them to prevent crime and protect families.
For example, authorities recently relaxed the motorcycle restriction. Shortly after, kidnappers abducted a boy at Orji Estate.
Security operatives rescued the child. Consequently, the governor urged residents to support strict preventive measures.
Scrap Ban and Crime Prevention
The governor also addressed the ban on metal scrap trading.
He explained that criminals used the trade to vandalize infrastructure and steal public assets.
Although some groups protested the restriction, the government maintained the ban to curb rising crime.
Therefore, he called for cooperation from religious and community leaders.
Industrial Park Targeted by Vandals
In addition, suspected vandals damaged facilities at the N26 billion Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park.
Governor Yahaya said criminals tampered with electrical installations linked to Dadin Kowa Dam.
As a result, thieves carted away key equipment meant to power the facility.
He warned that such acts threaten economic growth and job creation.
Ramadan Palliatives for 70,000 Residents
Despite the security crisis, the government continues its welfare programme.
Governor Yahaya said officials will distribute Ramadan palliatives to 70,000 beneficiaries statewide.
The programme targets vulnerable residents, including:
Physically challenged persons
Orphanages
Religious organisations
Low-income households
Furthermore, he directed the distribution committee to complete the exercise within three days.
He also stressed transparency and accountability.
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